Amid persistently hazardous air quality in Delhi-NCR, the Supreme Court has called upon the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to consider issuing directions postponing all school sports and athletic activities scheduled for November and December.
The Bench comprising Chief Justice BR Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran took note of the submissions by Senior Advocate Aparajita Singh (amicus curiae), who pointed out that with the AQI at dangerous levels, children remain particularly vulnerable, yet several NCR schools continue to plan annual sports meets this season.
The Court also learned of a similar plea pending before the Delhi High Court related to the same issue, and noted that the High Court may independently issue appropriate directions.
In addressing economic fallout of pollution-control measures, the Court further directed the governments of Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan to ensure payment of subsistence allowance to construction workers rendered jobless under the current Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-3) restrictions, which have halted most construction activities.
The Bench stressed the importance of regular review and preventive action by governments, and ordered that the matter be listed monthly for ongoing monitoring of pollution control and mitigation measures. The Court reiterated that proactive, balanced action to reduce air pollution is essential, and must consider all stakeholders when implementing restrictions.