NCR Choking: Ozone Pollution Reaches Alarming Levels, CPCB Confirms to NGT

The air quality crisis gripping the National Capital Region (NCR) has taken an even more alarming turn. A recent affidavit filed by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) before the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has unequivocally declared the NCR as the most severely impacted region by ozone pollution in the entire country.

This invisible, silent threat is silently infiltrating our communities, raising serious concerns for public health and the environment.

Ozone, a complex secondary pollutant, doesn't simply emerge from a single source. Instead, it's a dangerous cocktail brewed in our atmosphere when primary pollutants like Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) react under the intense glare of sunlight.

The CPCB’s report highlights that the eight-hour average ozone concentrations across the NCR consistently exceed the permissible limits, particularly during the critical afternoon hours when sunlight is strongest and temperatures peak, acting as a catalyst for its formation.

The epicentre of this crisis spans across key cities within the NCR.

Delhi, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, Greater Noida, Gurugram, and Noida have been identified as hotspots where ozone levels frequently reach hazardous thresholds. These areas, bustling with vehicular traffic and industrial activity, inadvertently provide the perfect breeding ground for the primary pollutants that give rise to ground-level ozone.

From the roaring engines of our vehicles to the chimneys of industrial units and power plants, the sources of these precursor pollutants are pervasive and deeply embedded in our daily lives.

The health implications of prolonged exposure to elevated ozone levels are dire and far-reaching. This insidious gas acts as a powerful irritant, particularly affecting the respiratory system.

Residents in the NCR are increasingly susceptible to a host of ailments including reduced lung function, persistent coughing, throat irritation, and burning sensations in the eyes. For those already battling pre-existing conditions like asthma, the presence of high ozone can trigger severe attacks, exacerbating their suffering and straining public health infrastructure.

It’s not just human health that suffers; the environment also bears the brunt, with ozone harming vegetation and significantly reducing crop yields, posing a threat to agricultural productivity in the region.

Recognizing the gravity of the situation, the CPCB has not merely identified the problem but has also committed to a comprehensive action plan aimed at mitigating this pervasive threat.

This multi-faceted strategy targets the root causes of pollution, focusing on stricter controls over vehicular emissions, promoting the adoption of electric vehicles, and improving public transport infrastructure to reduce reliance on private vehicles. Industrial units face enhanced scrutiny to ensure compliance with emission standards, alongside robust measures to control dust from construction activities and roads.

Furthermore, the plan emphasizes effective management of biomass burning and municipal waste, all contributing factors to the precursor pollutants.

As the National Green Tribunal continues its oversight, the spotlight remains firmly on the NCR's struggle against this invisible adversary. The CPCB's detailed submission serves as a stark reminder of the urgent, concerted action required from all stakeholders – government bodies, industries, and individual citizens – to clear our air and safeguard the health of millions.

Tackling ozone pollution is not just an environmental imperative; it is a fundamental right to breathe clean air that must be protected with unwavering commitment.