Delhi High Court: Delhi State School Games Rescheduled to Avoid Winter Air Pollution

• Delhi State School Games for 2026-27 session to conclude by October to avoid peak winter air pollution.
• Revised sports calendar schedules around 40 sporting disciplines during September and October, with final event concluding on October 19.
• Schools directed to complete zonal competitions and preparatory work well in advance to ensure timely completion of state-level competitions.
• Petitioners relied on medical evidence highlighting risks of prolonged exposure to high levels of PM2.5 during childhood.

The revised sports calendar for the 2026-27 session schedules around 40 sporting disciplines of the Delhi State School Games to be held during September and October, with the final event concluding on October 19.

The Delhi government has taken steps to protect students from peak winter air pollution by rescheduling the Delhi State School Games (DSSG) for the 2026-27 session. The revised sports calendar ensures that all competitions are completed by October, before the onset of severe air quality in the capital. This move comes after a group of 11 school students filed a petition seeking a change in the school sports calendar to avoid scheduling outdoor events during November to January when Delhi's air quality typically falls into 'severe' and 'hazardous' categories.

The petitioners, represented by senior advocate Shyel Trehan, relied on medical evidence highlighting the risks of prolonged exposure to high levels of PM2.5 during childhood, including impaired lung development and increased risk of chronic respiratory diseases later in life.

The revised sports calendar for the 2026-27 session schedules around 40 sporting disciplines of the Delhi State School Games to be held during September and October, with the final event concluding on October 19. Schools have been directed to complete zonal competitions, eligibility verification, preparation of fixtures, and other preparatory work well in advance to ensure timely completion of state-level competitions. This approach aims to avoid disruptions and ensure compliance with air quality regulations.

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) had earlier been called upon by the court to examine the issue and consider issuing directions to shift school sports activities to safer months.

The rescheduling of the Delhi State School Games is a significant step towards protecting students from the adverse effects of air pollution. The revised sports calendar demonstrates the government's commitment to ensuring that school sports activities are conducted in a manner that prioritizes student health and safety. As the petitioners highlighted, prolonged exposure to high levels of PM2.5 during childhood can have long-term consequences for lung development and respiratory health.

The Delhi High Court's decision to dispose of the plea after receiving the government's assurance is a welcome development, as it ensures that school sports activities are conducted in a manner that balances competing interests while prioritizing student well-being.

Lawyers advising schools in Delhi should note that the revised sports calendar for the 2026-27 session requires completion of state-level competitions by October, with a focus on timely completion to avoid disruptions and ensure compliance with air quality regulations.

Source: Original reporting via Indian Express