Context:
A new CSE analysis of 2021–2026 data shows that ground-level ozone pollution is spreading across Indian cities. Delhi-NCR has emerged as the largest regional hotspot, while cities such as Chandigarh, Jaipur, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru and Patna are also severely affected.
Explanation:
- Ground-level ozone (O₃) is a harmful secondary pollutant formed near the Earth’s surface.
- It is not emitted directly; it forms when nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) react in the presence of heat and sunlight.
- Major sources of NOx and VOCs include vehicles, industries, power plants, fuel burning, solvents and urban emissions.
- Unlike stratospheric ozone, which protects Earth from ultraviolet radiation, ground-level ozone is harmful to health.
- It can cause breathing difficulty, asthma aggravation, lung inflammation and reduced lung function.
- It also damages crops, forests and agricultural productivity.
- India’s National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) prescribe 100 µg/m³ as the safe limit for ozone over an 8-hour average.
- Ozone pollution peaks during summer, but recent trends show longer exposure and night-time persistence.
- It is also a short-lived climate pollutant, contributing to warming.
La Excellence IAS Academy, the best IAS coaching in Hyderabad, known for delivering quality content and conceptual clarity for UPSC 2026 preparation.
FOLLOW US ON:
◉ YouTube : https://www.youtube.com/@CivilsPrepTeam
◉ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LaExcellenceIAS
◉ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laexcellenceiasacademy/
GET IN TOUCH:
Contact us at info@laex.in, https://laex.in/contact-us/
or Call us @ +91 9052 29 2929, +91 9052 99 2929, +91 9154 24 2140
OUR BRANCHES:
Head Office: H No: 1-10-225A, Beside AEVA Fertility Center, Ashok Nagar Extension, VV Giri Nagar, Ashok Nagar, Hyderabad, 500020
Madhapur: Flat no: 301, survey no 58-60, Guttala begumpet Madhapur metro pillar: 1524, Rangareddy Hyderabad, Telangana 500081
Bangalore: Plot No: 99, 2nd floor, 80 Feet Road, Beside Poorvika Mobiles, Chandra Layout, Attiguppe, Near Vijaya Nagara, Bengaluru, 560040