Delhi HC Halts School Sports in High-Pollution Months: Safe Ways to Keep Kids Active Amid Severe AQI

The Delhi High Court has instructed the state government to ensure that schoolchildren are not made to participate in outdoor sports during the severely polluted months from November to January. While

hearing a plea filed by students, Justice Sachin Datta said the authorities have failed to protect the health of children, even as the air quality index of the national capital remains in the severe category, and must change the annual sports calendar so that no outdoor events are held.

How does toxic air affect children’s health?

According to experts, the toxic air that kids are breathing now is significantly impacting their health by causing severe respiratory issues like asthma and pneumonia, stunting lung and cognitive development, and weakening the immune system. Since their lungs are still developing, children who live in Delhi-NCR are now more susceptible to the harmful effects of pollutants – leading to lifelong health issues – which include lower intelligence, developmental problems, and a higher risk of infection. Scientific evidence has shown that chronic exposure to fine particulate matter or PM 2.5 spikes the risk of premature death among children, especially from lower respiratory infections and pneumonia. Also, the environmental research meta-analyses across South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa confirm higher infant and under-five mortality linked to ambient air pollution. Doctors say those born in Delhi five years ago have already spent more than 800 days breathing poor or worse air - nearly half their life inhaling poison. For 81 of those days, the air quality was “severe”, which means children have constantly been inhaling poisonous gases, smoke, and dust. In 2019, the Centre for Science and Environment warned that air pollution has become a national emergency, killing one lakh children under five every year in India.

How to keep children active during high pollution days?

Since it is dangerous to let the children be outside during high-pollution days, there is a need to devise new methods to keep them physically active even when they are indoors, as it is crucial for their overall development.

• Encourage children to go outside to play, cycle, or walk only when the pollution levels, such as late in the afternoon, are typically lower. You can check the AQI in your area through a smartphone or other devices first.
• You can download a few workout videos from the internet for kids and have them exercise as a fun activity
• Play your children’s favourite songs and move to the beat together. Moving to music is a great way to get energy out and to practice important skills like self-regulation.
• Involve children in household chores that require physical activity, like contributing to doing laundry, dusting, watering plants, or even folding bedsheets.
• Plan out structured workouts like jumping jacks, squats, planks, and mountain climbers – all of which are classic exercises that not only get the heart rate up but also provide core strength and help release energy.
• Yoga asanas for children are the best ways to keep kids active by combining physical movement with focused breathing to build strength, flexibility, and balance. It provides a fun and playful way for kids to channel energy through poses, develop coordination and body awareness, and improve their overall physical health.

Build adequate immunity

According to doctors, nutrition plays a vital role in strengthening a child’s immune system, helping their body combat the harmful effects of pollution. Serve them antioxidant-rich foods like fruits and vegetables, like berries, spinach, and nuts, which help neutralise free radicals caused by pollution. Foods like flaxseeds, walnuts, and fish contain omega-3 fatty acids, which support respiratory health.