Govt of India has ‘NO FUNDS’ for study of ozone pollution in Delhi

The government’s grand claims of ‘Transforming India’ sometimes turn out to be just ‘creative writing.’ In the fresh development, the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has told the National Green Tribunal (NGT) that the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) currently has no funds to conduct a proposed comprehensive study into rising ground-level ozone pollution in Delhi.

Not to be reminded here that CPCB is country’s apex statutory body mandated to comprehensively arrest environmental pollution in all forms.

The disclosure came after the NGT sought a response from the ministry on the issue of increasing ozone levels in the national capital. The Tribunal had taken suo-motu cognisance of the matter in April 2024 following reports highlighting elevated concentrations of ground-level ozone.

An expert committee constituted by the CPCB had recommended a one-year, detailed study to determine the factors responsible for elevated ozone levels in Delhi. The study is estimated to cost around Rs 80 lakh and would examine local, regional, biogenic, soil and transboundary sources contributing to ozone formation.

According to the ministry’s submission before the NGT, the proposed assessment would involve extensive air-quality monitoring, analysis of ozone precursors, photochemical modelling and source apportionment. These measures are intended to provide a clearer understanding of the complex factors driving ozone pollution in the capital.

The MoEFCC told the Tribunal that CPCB had reported a lack of available funds for the recommended study. The ministry has therefore sought permission to use money from the NGT Environment Compensation Fund (NGT-EC Fund) to finance the research.

What is Ozone Pollution?

Ground-level ozone is a secondary pollutant formed when nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) react in the presence of sunlight. NOx emissions largely originate from vehicles, industrial activity, coal combustion and power generation, while VOCs are released from fuel combustion and distribution, solvent use, wood burning and evaporation of liquid fuels.

Unlike ozone in the upper atmosphere, ground-level ozone is harmful to human health. Prolonged exposure can impair lung function, aggravate respiratory conditions and increase the risk of premature death. It can also adversely affect plant growth and vegetation.

Dilatory Practice

Questions have been raised over the Central Pollution Control Board’s (CPCB) financial constraints, with reports indicating that the regulator has substantial financial reserves. The concerns come amid growing evidence of the serious health risks posed by rising ground-level ozone pollution.

Ozone exposure can significantly impair lung function, trigger asthma attacks, aggravate bronchitis and increase the risk of cardiovascular problems, contributing to premature deaths.

A recent analysis has indicated that ozone pollution is no longer confined to northern India during the summer months but has emerged as a nationwide, multi-season crisis. Delhi-NCR continues to be the country’s largest regional hotspot, while Chandigarh has recorded the highest average summer ozone concentrations.

The ozone pollution is increasing due to rising temperatures and severe heatwaves, which accelerate the formation of ground-level ozone.