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The Commission on Air Quality Management (CAQM) has directed the Delhi government and NCR states to immediately suspend all outdoor physical sports activities, warning that continued exposure amid deteriorating air quality poses “serious health risks to children”.
In a letter issued on Saturday to the chief secretaries of Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh, the commission expressed concern that despite earlier instructions issued in line with the November 19 Supreme Court order, many schools and institutions in Delhi-NCR are still conducting outdoor sports events.
The CAQM said allowing outdoor physical activities during adverse air quality is contrary to the observations of the top court as well as the “spirit and intent” of the commission’s own directions. It had previously called for the postponement of all physical sporting events scheduled during November and December.
Also read: Dense smog prevails in Delhi amid severe air quality, GRAP IV implemented
Reiterating its directions, the Commission asked state governments and the Delhi administration to ensure strict and immediate compliance, issue clear instructions to schools, educational institutions, sports bodies and local authorities and sensitize parents and students about the health risks associated with outdoor exposure during high pollution levels. Officials have also been asked to closely monitor compliance at the ground level and take action against any violations.
CAQM has implemented Phase IV – the most stringent level – of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) following a sharp increase in pollution levels due to adverse meteorological conditions.
Under Phase IV restrictions, all construction and demolition activities are banned in Delhi-NCR, including linear public projects like highways, roads, flyovers, power transmission lines, pipelines and telecom works, which are otherwise permitted under the lower GRAP phases.
Entry of trucks into Delhi has also been stopped, except vehicles carrying essential commodities or providing essential services. However, CNG, LNG, electric and BS-VI diesel trucks are exempted. Plying of Delhi-registered diesel heavy goods vehicles of BS-IV and below is banned, with exemption limited to essential services.
Additionally, schools in Delhi and the worst-affected NCR districts have been directed to operate in hybrid mode for students of all classes – including primary, classes VI to IX and class XI – giving students the option to attend online classes wherever possible.
The Commission has also asked state governments to be prepared to impose further emergency measures if pollution levels worsen. These may include closing colleges and educational institutions, shutting down non-essential business activities and imposing odd-even vehicle restrictions.
Delhi-NCR imposes restrictions under GRAP every winter, with air quality classified into four stages: Stage I (poor, AQI 201-300), Stage II (very poor, AQI 301-400), Stage III (severe, AQI 401-450) and Stage IV (severe plus, AQI above 450).