Indias Mega Cities Grapple With High Ozone Pollution This Summer
India, all its major mega cities, including Kolkata, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Chennai, have experienced high concentrations of ground-level ozone pollution during this summer season. This concerning finding comes from a new analysis conducted by a prominent think tank, highlighting a shift in the dominant pollutant in urban air. Unlike primary pollutants emitted directly from sources, ozone is a secondary pollutant, formed through complex atmospheric reactions involving other chemicals, posing a significant challenge for urban air quality management and public health, demanding immediate attention from authorities.
The new analysis by the think tank’s Urban Lab specifically highlighted that a previous examination had already shown ozone, rather than particulate matter (PM), frequently dominated Delhi’s daily Air Quality Index (AQI) on several days this summer. This latest comprehensive analysis now confirms that a similar and concerning trend is prevalent across other major Indian cities, indicating a broader environmental challenge that extends beyond the capital. This shift in the primary pollutant necessitates a critical re-evaluation of existing air quality mitigation strategies, urging authorities to move beyond solely addressing particulate matter to encompass the intricate dynamics of ozone pollution, which has severe implications for urban public health.
It is crucial to understand that ozone, unlike primary pollutants, is not released directly from any specific source. Instead, ground-level ozone is formed when intense sunlight reacts with precursor pollutants such as nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds. These precursor chemicals are predominantly emitted from vehicles, industrial facilities, and other combustion processes. This complex formation mechanism makes its control significantly more challenging, as efforts must focus on reducing these precursor emissions rather than direct ozone. High concentrations of ground-level ozone can lead to severe respiratory problems, aggravate existing asthma conditions, and contribute to premature mortality, particularly affecting vulnerable populations including children and the elderly.
The pervasive rise in ozone pollution across India’s mega cities necessitates urgent, targeted interventions. This calls for integrated strategies to control precursor emissions from transport and industry. Prioritizing cleaner energy and sustainable urban planning is vital for enhancing public health and achieving environmental resilience in these rapidly expanding urban centers.
