The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has advised the Delhi government and governments of states in the National Capital Region (NCR) to avoid scheduling physical sports activities and competitions during November and December 2026, citing the air quality conditions typically observed during these months.
In an advisory dated September 10, the commission said competitions already scheduled for November and December may be rescheduled. The move follows concerns raised by the Supreme Court over children’s exposure to poor and severe air quality while participating in physical sports competitions organised by schools.
The matter came up during the hearing of the MC Mehta vs Union of India & Ors case. The Supreme Court subsequently asked the CAQM to issue appropriate directions to schools in Delhi NCR regarding sports and games competitions planned during November and December.
The CAQM had issued a similar advisory in November 2025, asking the Delhi government and NCR state governments to reschedule physical sports activities during the two-month period. The commission has now reiterated those observations for 2026.
In its latest advisory, the CAQM said the governments should ensure that no physical sports activities or competitions are scheduled during November-December, keeping in view the air-quality trends at the locations where such events are planned.
For events that have already been scheduled, the commission suggested exploring options to reschedule them or provide students with alternative opportunities to participate in similar activities at a more appropriate time.
The CAQM also said students who are unable to participate because of rescheduling should not be unfairly disadvantaged. Governments have been advised to make alternative arrangements while ensuring that students’ health and academic progress are not compromised.
The advisory comes ahead of the winter season, when Delhi NCR regularly faces deteriorating air quality and higher pollution levels.