(Image source from: ANI)

The government of Delhi has instructed schools to stop outdoor activities and sports since the air quality in the capital has worsened to the 'severe' level. This decision follows a day after the Supreme Court urged the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to think about telling Delhi schools to cancel sports events planned for November and December. In its notice, the CAQM, which monitors air pollution in Delhi-NCR, stated that all sports events need to be delayed because of the harmful pollution. The commission added that the present air quality in Delhi poses serious health threats to children. The advisory from CAQM also applies to all universities, colleges, and recognized sports organizations in Delhi-NCR.

This week, Delhi's air quality dropped to dangerous levels, fluctuating between 'very poor' and 'severe'. On Friday, the average Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi was 373, which is similar to smoking 10-11 cigarettes daily. The order from the Delhi government came after the Supreme Court raised concerns about the situation, suggesting that sports events be moved to safer months. They then asked the CAQM to provide instructions to schools. The court's amicus curiae stated that having outdoor activities in November and December is like putting school children in a "gas chamber". On Wednesday, the Delhi High Court also addressed the matter, saying the Delhi government was avoiding its duty by permitting sports activities during these months.

For many years, doctors have warned that children are more susceptible to air pollution than adults. Their lungs are still growing, they breathe more rapidly, they spend more time outside, and their smaller bodies take in more pollutants with each breath. Research has indicated that long-term exposure to PM2.5 and PM10 not only decreases lung capacity but can also permanently change lung development, cause asthma, weaken the immune system, and influence cognitive abilities. For many families in Delhi, this isn't just a vague health issue; it has turned into a time filled with inhalers, ongoing coughs, canceled playtime, and increasing visits to pediatricians. Pediatric lung specialists have noted that hospital admissions sharply rise each November, often by 30-40%.