School Sports on Hold? SC Acts on Delhi Pollution Emergency

Facing a severe air pollution emergency, the Supreme Court has recommended that school sports activities in the Delhi-NCR region be postponed. The Court has directed the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to consider advising schools to defer sports events and competitions planned for November and December. The primary reason is to ensure the safety of students amidst toxic air, with the understanding that these events can be rescheduled for a healthier period. The Supreme Court underlined the necessity for proactive pollution control by all authorities, ensuring that diverse stakeholder interests are respected. The Court also mandated monthly hearings for air pollution-related matters. In a humanitarian gesture, the Court ordered that construction workers affected by GRAP-3 restrictions in Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan receive subsistence allowances. The concerned state governments are expected to continue their preventive pollution measures and review them periodically.