NEW DELHI: As air quality deteriorated to ‘severe plus’ across Delhi-NCR, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Saturday directed Delhi and NCR state governments to ensure the immediate suspension of all outdoor physical sports activities, warning that their continuation poses a “serious health risk to children.”In a letter to the chief secretaries of Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh, the Commission said it was concerned that “some schools and institutions in Delhi-NCR were still holding outdoor sports activities” despite earlier directions issued in line with a Supreme Court order dated November 19.It said allowing outdoor physical activities during periods of adverse air quality is “contrary to the spirit and intent of the apex court’s observations and the Commission’s instructions.”The directive came as the CAQM invoked the strictest measures under its Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), Stage IV on Saturday, after pollution levels rose sharply due to unfavourable meteorological conditions. The Commission said it had earlier, in a letter dated November 19, called for the “postponement of physical sports competitions scheduled during November and December.”The CAQM asked the Delhi government and NCR states to ensure strict and immediate compliance with its directions. It also asked the government to issue necessary instructions to schools, educational institutions, sports bodies and local authorities to discontinue outdoor physical sports activities, and sensitise schools and parents about the associated health risks.Authorities were also told to closely monitor compliance on the ground and take action against violations.Under GRAP IV restrictions, all construction and demolition activities in Delhi-NCR have been banned, including linear public projects such as highways, roads, flyovers, power transmission lines, pipelines and telecom works.The entry of trucks into Delhi has been stopped, except those carrying essential commodities or providing essential services, with CNG, LNG, electric and BS-VI diesel trucks exempted.Schools in Delhi and the most affected NCR districts have been directed to run classes in a hybrid mode for students from primary classes up to Classes VI to IX and XI, with the option of online attendance where feasible.State governments have been asked to consider additional emergency measures if pollution levels worsen further, including closing colleges and educational institutions, shutting non-essential commercial activities and introducing odd-even vehicle restrictions.
