Events & Updates
Run against substance abuse postponed due to poor AQI in Delhi
Initially scheduled for November 17, 2024, the decision to reschedule the Delhi Against Drugs 10K Run has been made with the well-being of participants and community members as a top priority, said the organisers
TDJ News Service
16 Nov, 2024
The STAIRS Foundation (The Society for Transformation, Inclusion, and Recognition through Sports), a National Sports Promotion Organisation recognised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, has announced the postponement of the Delhi Against Drugs (DAD) 10K Run until March 2025 due to recent deterioration in Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI).
“Initially scheduled for November 17, 2024, the decision to reschedule the Delhi Against Drugs 10K Run has been made with the well-being of participants and community members as a top priority,” said a statement by STAIRS.
“The DAD 10K Run is a platform for raising awareness against substance abuse and fostering a healthier, drug-free future for our youth. However, just as the organisation stands against drugs to protect the health and future of our community, the pressing health risks posed by the current AQI levels cannot be overlooked. With air quality reaching levels deemed unsafe for outdoor activities, proceeding with the event could compromise the well-being of the participants,” it added.
Nikhil Nanda, a Board member of STAIRS Foundation and leader of ‘STAIRS Against Drugs’ said that the decision came after inputs from various stakeholders.
"Initially scheduled for November to address the pressing issue of substance abuse, the event was planned with input from key stakeholders across policy, law, and order. However, considering the alarmingly poor air quality in Delhi, we must prioritise the health and safety of our participants,” he said.
“Recent studies, including one from The Lancet, indicate that air pollution is a significant cause of mortality in India's cities. Delhi faces the highest number of deaths due to PM2.5 exposure. Around 12,000 deaths each year in Delhi are attributed to air pollution, constituting about 11.5% of total deaths in the city.
“Deep breathing during outdoor activities in hazardous air conditions presents significant health risks, and we avoid this exposure for the participants.”
Tags : Delhi, Pollution, Running, Marathon, Drugs, STAIRS