The Supreme Court has directed CAQM to stop all outdoor sports activities in NCR schools due to dangerous air pollution levels. The Court compared exposing children to toxic air to placing them “in gas chambers.”
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Wednesday issued an important order directing the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to stop outdoor sports activities in schools across the National Capital Region (NCR) until further notice because of the severe air pollution levels.
The direction came from a bench of Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran after the amicus curiae informed the Court that many schools continue to hold sports competitions in November and December, even though these months have the worst air quality in the region.
The amicus told the Court that allowing children to play outdoors during this period was extremely harmful and compared it to a dangerous situation, saying it was like putting children “in gas chambers.”
Taking note of this concern, the Supreme Court instructed CAQM to issue guidelines immediately so that such sports activities are moved to safer months when pollution levels are lower.
The Court said,
“We request CAQM to take this into consideration and issue necessary directions to shift such sport competition to safer months.”
The Supreme Court also decided that the issue of Delhi-NCR air pollution will now be heard every month to ensure constant monitoring of the actions taken by the authorities.
The bench observed that the problem cannot be addressed only when the pollution level becomes severe and emphasised the need for regular follow-up.
The Court stated,
“Regarding implementation of steps, we are of the view than just dealing with it when pollution is at its peak… it has to be monitored regularly so that implementation of measures is done regularly and thus let the matter be listed monthly basis when action taken reports by CAQM, MoEFCC is taken on record and necessary orders are passed.”
During the hearing, the amicus curiae also pointed out that State pollution control boards lack adequate manpower.
The counsel highlighted that most of the action plans look good on paper — such as the long-term policy from 2018 and the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) introduced in 2015 — but implementation remains weak due to staff shortages.
The amicus told the Court that,
“It was told that we react when pollution is at its peak. There is already a long-term policy since 2018 and there is a graded response plan since 2015 and it is all court driven. There is GRAP. All looks very good but on the ground state pollution control board also has vaccines.. and thus no manpower.”
Responding to this, Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Aishwarya Bhati assured the Court that the government will file detailed action taken reports on the steps being implemented to curb pollution.
The Supreme Court also asked the NCR State governments to take instructions on providing subsistence allowance to construction workers who are facing economic hardship due to restrictions on construction activities imposed to improve air quality.
These workers often lose income when such environmental measures are enforced, and the Court expressed concern for their welfare.
Earlier this week, the Court had also told the Delhi government to submit an affidavit explaining what type of equipment the city uses for measuring the Air Quality Index (AQI) and how accurate or efficient that equipment is.
This direction aims to ensure transparency in how AQI levels are calculated and reported to the public.
With these fresh directions, the Supreme Court has made it clear that air pollution in Delhi-NCR is not an issue to be addressed only during emergencies.
The Court wants a continuous, long-term, and accountable approach from authorities, along with protection for vulnerable groups such as schoolchildren and construction labourers.
The order puts strong responsibility on CAQM, the Centre, and NCR States to ensure that corrective measures are properly implemented and monitored throughout the year.
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Case Title:
M.C. Mehta v. Union of India (W.P. (C) No. 13029/1985)
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