SC Pushes for School Sports Halt Amidst Delhi Smog Crisis

In response to Delhi’s worsening air quality crisis, the Supreme Court has called for a temporary suspension of school sports. The Court advised the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to suggest that schools across the National Capital Region (NCR) postpone any sports events and competitions planned for November and December. The rationale is that these activities can be safely conducted once the air becomes cleaner. The Supreme Court stressed the importance of proactive pollution control efforts by authorities, while also acknowledging the needs of various affected parties. The Court also mandated a monthly listing of air pollution-related cases. Furthermore, the bench directed that construction workers who have faced job disruptions due to GRAP-3 restrictions in Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan be provided with financial aid as a subsistence allowance. The four state governments are to continue implementing and routinely reviewing their pollution reduction measures.