The tribunal noted that the elevated ozone levels are largely linked to emissions from the transport sector, power plants, and industrial activities — all major contributors to nitrogen oxides in the atmosphere. Represenational file image.
| Photo Credit: The Hindu
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has taken suo motu cognisance of a media report highlighting the alarming rise in ground-level ozone pollution across major Indian cities, according to an order dated September 26.
Quoting a reply from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) dated September 25, the tribunal noted that the elevated ozone levels are largely linked to emissions from the transport sector, power plants, and industrial activities — all major contributors to nitrogen oxides (NOx) in the atmosphere.
“The Delhi-NCR and Mumbai Metropolitan Region reported higher exceedances of ozone concentration compared with other regions,” the CPCB report said. It added that apart from human-made emissions, ozone precursors may also arise from natural sources such as biogenic volatile organic compounds, soil-based NOx emissions, wildfire-related carbon monoxide, and methane from the biosphere.
The NGT also observed that in a related matter, the CPCB has proposed a study to identify and recommend targeted measures for controlling ozone and its precursors. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has recommended the formation of an expert committee to address the issue.
The tribunal will now hear both matters on November 12, in line with a request from the CPCB, the order said.
Published – October 05, 2025 08:39 am IST
