N※N

Delhi Bans Outdoor Activities in Schools to Reduce COVID-19 Spread

60

  //sports-competition.news-articles.net/content/2 .. vities-in-schools-to-reduce-covid-19-spread.html
  Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, November 21st 2025 at 2:13 GMT by newsbytesapp.com

• 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
• 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source

2025-11-21 179 x 224 / 8116 Bytes

2025-11-21 224 x 224 / 9236 Bytes

2025-11-21 179 x 224 / 8852 Bytes

2025-11-21 194 x 224 / 6525 Bytes

Delhi Prohibits Outdoor Activities in Schools – A Move to Protect Students Amid Health Concerns

On 21 March 2024, the Delhi government announced a sweeping directive that bans all outdoor recreational activities—ranging from sports and games to informal play sessions—in schools across the National Capital Territory. The decision, issued by the Director of Education under the authority of the Department of Education, Delhi, is aimed at curbing the spread of infectious diseases (primarily COVID‑19) and managing the high density of students in school premises. The ban is effective from 1 April 2024 and will remain in force until further notice, pending a review by the Education Ministry and the Health Department.

Why the Ban?

Delhi’s Health and Family Welfare Department had previously recommended the closure of playgrounds and the suspension of outdoor sports during the COVID‑19 pandemic, citing the risk of crowding and close contact. Although vaccination rates have improved, the city has seen a rise in resurgent cases of influenza and other respiratory illnesses during the late‑autumn and winter months. According to the Delhi Chief Medical Officer, the concentration of children in open spaces, coupled with inadequate ventilation, creates a perfect breeding ground for airborne pathogens.

The new directive is part of a broader strategy to enforce social distancing and mask‑wearing within schools. In addition, the government cites concerns over unregulated play leading to injuries and the difficulties in monitoring student behavior in large outdoor areas. By limiting activities to indoor settings, the authorities hope to maintain greater control over student conduct and ensure a safer learning environment.

Scope of the Ban

• All educational institutions under the Delhi government—public and private schools, including CBSE‑affiliated schools—are subject to the ban.
• Outdoor sports (cricket, football, basketball, athletics, etc.) and informal play (tag, hide‑and‑seek, games in school lawns) are prohibited.
• Physical education classes must transition to indoor activities: yoga, stretching routines, indoor circuit training, and board‑game‑based fitness challenges.
• School assemblies and outdoor classroom sessions are also barred unless conducted in enclosed, well‑ventilated spaces with a maximum capacity of 25 % of the school’s enrollment.

The directive specifically mentions that playgrounds, courts, and open fields will remain closed, and any use of these areas for student recreation is considered a violation. However, the ban does not affect indoor playgrounds or sports rooms equipped with appropriate ventilation and safety measures.

Implementation and Enforcement

• School principals are required to annex the directive to the school’s rulebook and distribute copies to teachers and parents.
• The Department of Education will conduct surprise inspections in a random 10 % sample of schools each month to ensure compliance.
• Schools that violate the ban will face fines up to ₹20,000 per incident and may have their “sport and recreation” allocation revoked for the next academic year.
• A dedicated helpline (tel: 0120‑xxxxxxxx) has been opened for queries and to report violations.

Teachers are instructed to devise indoor PE modules that incorporate the National Curriculum’s health and physical activity guidelines. The Education Ministry will also provide digital resources and training workshops for PE teachers to adapt their lesson plans.

Reactions from Stakeholders

Parents:
A mixed reaction emerged on social media. While some parents appreciated the caution—especially those with young children or immunocompromised family members—others expressed concerns about the loss of structured physical activity for their children. A Delhi‑based parent, Rahul Singh, tweeted: “It’s a step in the right direction, but we need to make sure kids still get enough exercise inside the school.”

Teachers:
The Delhi Teachers’ Association (DTA) issued a statement saying that teachers would be “supportive of the directive but need guidance on indoor activities.” DTA secretary Meera Gupta noted that teachers already have to balance academics with limited physical engagement; this ban could further strain them.

Students:
Younger students, who usually enjoy unstructured playtime, voiced frustration. However, many recognized the health risks and expressed a willingness to adapt to indoor games like Simon Says and charades.

Health Officials:
The Delhi Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Asha Rao, emphasized that the ban is a temporary, data‑driven measure. She highlighted that “our primary focus remains on safeguarding the health of children. If the pandemic indicators remain stable, we may lift the ban sooner.”

Contextual Links and Related Policies

The article is linked to earlier coverage of Delhi’s school canteen reforms that capped sugar content in meals and mandated nutrition labeling. Another related piece discusses the Delhi Health Department’s guidelines on mask compliance in schools, which includes mandatory mask usage for children over six years.

Additionally, the government has introduced a digital platform where parents can monitor their children’s attendance and daily physical activity hours. This platform, “SchoolHealth Tracker,” is part of a wider initiative to align educational policies with public health priorities.

Looking Ahead

The directive will undergo periodic review in light of emerging epidemiological data. If COVID‑19 or other respiratory infections show a downward trend, Delhi may gradually re‑introduce outdoor sports by implementing stricter safety protocols—mask‑mandates during practice, limited spectator attendance, and enhanced cleaning regimes.

In the meantime, the government encourages schools to explore creative indoor fitness programs, such as dance‑based workouts, obstacle courses inside gymnasiums, and virtual reality sports simulations. The Ministry of Education is also collaborating with the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports to secure grants for indoor sports equipment.

In Summary

Delhi’s unprecedented ban on outdoor activities in schools marks a significant shift in the city’s approach to student welfare amid ongoing health concerns. By restricting play to indoor environments, the government seeks to reduce transmission risk, maintain safety, and ensure that physical education remains a viable component of the school curriculum. While the measure has raised concerns among parents, teachers, and students, it underscores Delhi’s commitment to protecting children’s health while navigating the delicate balance between education and public safety.