NGT Takes Suo Motu Cognisance of Rising Ground-Level Ozone Pollution

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has taken suo motu cognisance of a media report highlighting the alarming rise in ground-level ozone pollution across several major Indian cities. The action was initiated following an order dated September 26, based on a report quoting the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reply from September 25.

Transport, Power, and Industry Identified as Key Sources

According to the CPCB, the elevated ozone levels are primarily linked to emissions from the transport sector, power plants, and industrial activities — the major contributors of nitrogen oxides (NOx) in the atmosphere.

Delhi-NCR and Mumbai Worst Affected

The tribunal noted that Delhi-NCR and the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) recorded higher exceedances of ozone concentration compared to other regions, indicating a worrying trend in India’s urban air quality.

Understanding Ground-Level Ozone

While ozone in the upper atmosphere acts as a protective shield against the sun’s harmful ultraviolet radiation, ground-level ozone is a harmful air pollutant that poses serious risks to human health and vegetation.

Ground-level ozone is not directly emitted, but forms when nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) react under sunlight and high temperatures. These precursor pollutants largely originate from vehicles, industrial processes, and fossil fuel combustion.

Health and Environmental Concerns

The rise in ground-level ozone contributes significantly to smog formation, leading to respiratory illnesses, reduced lung function, and crop damage. The NGT’s intervention underscores the urgent need for stricter emission control measures, sustainable transport policies, and enhanced air-quality monitoring across Indian cities.