- Delhi-NCR is India's biggest ground-level ozone pollution hotspot.
- Ozone pollution now a year-round crisis, even causing "toxic nights."
- Causes severe health issues and environmental damage, including crop loss.
A fresh analysis by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) has sounded the alarm about a rapidly growing environmental threat, revealing that ground-level ozone pollution has become a year-round public health crisis across India, rather than being limited to specific seasons or daytime hours.
Delhi-NCR Emerges As Ozone Pollution Biggest Hotspot
According to the analysis, Delhi-NCR has emerged as the biggest hotspot of ozone pollution in the country. Cities across North India, as well as southern and coastal regions, have also been affected by this invisible gas.
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The analysis, released on Tuesday, states that the combined effect of rising temperatures, intense sunlight, and gases emitted from vehicles and industries has turned this pollutant into a major threat to both the environment and public health.
Key findings of the analysis
Chandigarh and Jaipur most affected: According to an analysis of data from 2021 to 2026, Chandigarh recorded the highest average ozone levels in the country during summer, followed by Jaipur and Ahmedabad.
Delhi-NCR remains the biggest hotspot: Delhi and the NCR recorded the worst ozone pollution levels. Pollution remained above the national standard of 100 micrograms per cubic metre on all 71 days studied. Pusa, Greater Noida, and Ghaziabad emerged as one of the biggest hotspots.
The new threat of 'toxic nights': Ozone, which typically forms during the day in the presence of sunlight, is now lingering in the air even at night. Delhi-NCR topped the list with 46 nights of dangerous ozone levels, followed by Bengaluru (14 nights) and Bhopal (13 nights).
Longer duration of exposure: Ozone is now remaining in the air for longer periods. Bhopal recorded the longest duration of ozone above safe limits, averaging 17 hours a day, while Lucknow, Mumbai, and Bengaluru recorded around 16 hours a day.
Direct impact on health: This gas causes significant lung damage, leading to a rise in asthma and other respiratory diseases. Doctors say prolonged exposure also increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Damage to agriculture and glaciers: Ozone pollution is causing an estimated 14-15 per cent decline in wheat production in the country every year. It is also reaching the Himalayan region, where it could accelerate glacier melt.
What Needs to Be Done?
According to Anumita Raychaudhuri, Executive Director of CSE, the current National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) mainly focuses on reducing dust and particulate matter (PM). However, she says it is now time for NCAP 2.0 to adopt a multi-pollutant strategy.
To tackle ozone pollution, emissions of ozone-forming gases such as nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from vehicles, industries, and waste burning must be reduced. This will require states to work together across borders and develop a common regional action plan.