OZONE POLLUTION AFTER AIR POLLUTION IS A NEW THREAT IN DELHI, WHAT IS THE SOLUTION?

OZONE POLLUTION AFTER AIR POLLUTION IS A NEW THREAT IN DELHI, WHAT IS THE SOLUTION?

2-JULY-ENG 1

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

DELHI------------------------------For years, the capital, Delhi, has been grappling with a severe air pollution crisis. Every winter, a thick blanket of smog, toxic air, and a suffocating atmosphere become matters of national concern. Until now, discussions regarding this crisis have largely focused on PM 2.5, PM 10, stubble burning, and vehicular emissions; however, a new and more dangerous threat has rapidly emerged: ground-level ozone pollution. A recent report by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) highlights that not only Delhi-NCR but also cities like Jaipur, Chandigarh, and Ahmedabad are increasingly falling prey to ozone pollution. While this form of pollution is invisible, its adverse effects are insidiously damaging human health, agriculture, and the environment.

It is ironic that even a serious issue like pollution is often reduced to political blame games. Sometimes, farmers' stubble burning is held solely responsible, while at other times, the blame is placed entirely on vehicles. Yet, the reality is far more complex. To address the root cause of the problem, there must be a serious re-evaluation of unplanned urbanization, indiscriminate industrialization, current energy consumption patterns, and the prevailing model of development.

Today, Delhi is not merely the nation's capital but has also become the country's largest pollution hotspot. Ground-level ozone pollution is formed through a chemical reaction involving rising summer temperatures, intense sunlight, and emissions—specifically nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds—released by vehicles and industries. This is distinct from the ozone layer in the upper atmosphere that protects the Earth from ultraviolet rays. Ground-level ozone is a toxic gas that impairs lung function, exacerbates conditions for asthma patients, causes eye irritation, and increases the risk of heart disease. Today, a large number of people in Delhi-NCR are grappling with issues such as breathing difficulties, allergies, and asthma—problems in which the role of ozone pollution is increasingly significant. The Delhi government has taken several crucial steps toward pollution control. Decisions such as incentivizing electric vehicles, introducing a new electric vehicle policy, promoting public transport, planning for charging stations, and phasing out old, polluting vehicles are certainly positive. If these plans are implemented effectively, we could witness meaningful changes in pollution control in the coming years. However, a vehicle policy alone cannot solve the problem.

The real crisis lies in unplanned urbanization. Over the past two decades, the rapid transformation of farmlands, ponds, and green spaces into concrete jungles in Delhi and its surrounding areas has dealt a severe blow to the natural balance. Areas where rainwater once seeped into the ground are now covered with cement and asphalt surfaces. Traditional water bodies have vanished, tree cover has dwindled, and temperatures have risen. Consequently, city temperatures are now several degrees higher than those in surrounding rural areas; this excess heat accelerates the process of ozone formation.

Today, the expansion of metropolises is seen as a symbol of development, yet this growth comes at the cost of nature. Cities require roads, electricity, housing, and industries. To meet these demands, farmlands are disappearing, forests are being felled, and water bodies are being destroyed. As a result, pollution is no longer confined to the air; water, soil, and biodiversity are also being affected. Ultimately, this trajectory of development appears to stand in opposition to human well-being.

The number of private vehicles in Delhi continues to rise. Public transport availability and quality have not yet reached a level that would encourage people to give up their private vehicles. While promoting electric vehicles is a welcome move, it is essential to remember that if the electricity powering them comes from coal-based thermal power plants, the pollution will merely shift from one location to another. Therefore, it is essential to promote clean energy, solar energy, and green transport simultaneously. You can visit the Centre for Science and Environment's website for further information regarding the environment.

Ozone pollution is not limited to human health alone; it also affects agricultural output. Scientific studies have shown that ozone interferes with the photosynthesis process in crops, thereby reducing yields. At a time when climate change, erratic monsoons, and rising temperatures already pose significant challenges for farmers, ozone pollution could further exacerbate the agricultural crisis. While targets have been set to improve air quality in numerous cities under the National Clean Air Programme, the time has come to expand the scope of this strategy. Instead of focusing solely on particulate matter, equal emphasis must be placed on the monitoring, scientific study, and control of secondary pollutants like ozone. Air quality monitoring systems need to be made more comprehensive, modern, and transparent.

The role of citizens is equally crucial in resolving this issue. Habits such as burning waste, generating dust from construction activities, burning fuel in the open, and the improper disposal of plastic and industrial waste need to change.

Make greater use of public transport. Promote a culture of cycling and walking.

Undertake large-scale tree plantation in cities.

Develop green belts.

Revive traditional water bodies.

Air pollution is not merely an environmental crisis but also an economic and social one. Rising illness rates burden the healthcare system, reduce productivity, and cause economic losses amounting to crores of rupees. Most concerning is the fact that pollution is impacting the future of children and the youth. If decisive steps are not taken today, future generations will have to pay a far heavier price.

The measures being taken by the Delhi government are welcome and hold the promise of positive outcomes; however, success depends on coordinated efforts involving the central government, state governments, local bodies, industries, the scientific community, and civil society. Pollution is not a problem confined to a single government, season, or cause; it is a consequence of our development model, lifestyle, and attitude towards the environment. Today, the need is not for blame games, but for visionary policy and collective responsibility. If we desire clean air, we must cultivate a new culture of balanced development that coexists with nature, rather than relying solely on plans to reduce pollution. Otherwise, invisible gases like ozone will continue to slowly sicken our cities, and this model of development will itself become the greatest threat to human civilization.