The Supreme Court of India has raised serious concerns about organizing sports competitions in Delhi during the peak pollution months of November and December. The court strongly criticized the practice, comparing it to putting students in a gas chamber and demanding answers from authorities.
Court's Strong Stance on Student Safety
During a hearing on Monday, the Supreme Court bench expressed shock that sports events are scheduled during what they described as the most polluted period in Delhi. The court specifically questioned the logic behind holding such competitions when air quality deteriorates to dangerous levels, potentially endangering the health of participating students.
The bench comprising Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul and Justice Sudhanshu Dhulia did not mince words when they stated that exposing children to such hazardous conditions during physical activities could have severe health consequences. The court emphasized that student welfare should be the primary consideration when scheduling any outdoor activities.
Upcoming Hearing and Government Response
The Supreme Court has scheduled the next hearing on this matter for November 29, 2023. The court has directed concerned authorities to provide explanations about why sports competitions are planned during this critical pollution period and what measures are being taken to protect participants' health.
This intervention comes as Delhi and surrounding regions typically experience their worst air quality between November and December each year. The timing coincides with agricultural stubble burning in neighboring states, vehicular emissions, and industrial pollution, creating a toxic mix that makes outdoor activities particularly risky.
Broader Implications for Educational Institutions
The court's questioning extends beyond immediate sports events to address the larger issue of student exposure to pollution during school activities. Educational institutions across Delhi-NCR have often faced dilemmas about canceling or proceeding with outdoor events during severe pollution episodes.
Medical experts have repeatedly warned that children are particularly vulnerable to air pollution because their respiratory systems are still developing. Engaging in strenuous physical activities during high pollution periods can lead to immediate health issues like asthma attacks and long-term respiratory problems.
The Supreme Court's intervention highlights the growing concern about how environmental factors should influence the scheduling of academic and extracurricular activities. The November 29 hearing is expected to provide clearer guidelines for educational institutions and sports bodies regarding event planning during pollution seasons.
This case represents a significant step toward recognizing environmental health as a crucial factor in educational planning and student welfare protocols. The outcome could set important precedents for how schools and colleges across India schedule activities during periods of environmental distress.
