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Urban Lab

दिल्ली-बेंगलुरु समेत भारत के इन शहरों में ओजोन प्रदूषण जानलेवा! CSE की रिपोर्ट में खुलासा

सेंटर फॉर साइंस एंड एनवायरनमेंट (CSE) की नई रिपोर्ट ने दिल्ली, कोलकाता और बेंगलुरु जैसे भारत के बड़े शहरों के लिए चिंता बढ़ा दी है. CSE की रिपोर्ट में खुलासा हुआ है कि दिल्ली समेत भारत के कई बड़े शहरों में ओजोन प्रदूषण गंभीर स्तर पर पहुंच गया है. इन शहरों में दिल्ली, मुंबई, कोलकाता, बेंगलुरु, चेन्नई और हैदराबाद भी शामिल है. रिपोर्ट में बताया गया है कि ओजोन प्रदूषण अब केवल गर्मियों की समस्या नहीं है, बल्कि सर्दियों में भी ओजोन स्तर मानकों से ऊपर है. इसका सीधा असर शहरों के वायु की गुणवत्ता पर पड़ा है, जिससे हवा में धूल और धुएं का घना गुबार बना रहता है. इस गर्मी के दौरान देश के कई शहरों में ओजोन प्रदूषण खतरनाक स्तर पर पहुंच गया. साथ ही कई दिनों तक इसका स्तर सामान्य से ज्यादा रहा.

Urban Lab

दिल्ली-बेंगलुरु समेत भारत के इन शहरों में ओजोन प्रदूषण जानलेवा! CSE की रिपोर्ट में खुलासा

Urban Lab

दिल्ली, बेंगलुरु, मुंबई समेत भारत के इन शहरों में ओजोन प्रदूषण हुआ जानलेवा, CSE की रिपोर्ट में खुलासा

सेंटर फॉर साइंस एंड एनवायरनमेंट (CSE) की हालिया रिपोर्ट ने दिल्ली, कोलकाता और बेंगलुरु जैसे प्रमुख भारतीय शहरों में ओजोन प्रदूषण (Ozone pollution) की गंभीर स्थिति को उजागर किया है. रिपोर्ट के अनुसार, दिल्ली के साथ-साथ मुंबई, कोलकाता, बेंगलुरु, चेन्नई और हैदराबाद में ओजोन प्रदूषण चिंताजनक स्तर पर पहुंच गया है, जो इन शहरों के निवासियों के स्वास्थ्य और पर्यावरण के लिए एक बड़ा खतरा बन सकता है.

Urban Lab

New Delhi: समय पर कार्रवाई न हुई तो प्रदूषण बनेगा संकट: CSE

नई दिल्ली: भारत के बड़े शहरों जैसे कोलकाता, बेंगलुरु, मुंबई, हैदराबाद और चेन्नई में इस गर्मी (2025) में जमीन के स्तर पर ओजोन प्रदूषण ने खूब सिर उठाया है. सेंटर फॉर साइंस एंड एनवायरनमेंट (CSE) की नई रिपोर्ट के मुताबिक, इन शहरों में ओजोन का स्तर कई दिनों तक 8 घंटे के मानक से ज्यादा रहा. यह प्रदूषण इतना खतरनाक है कि यह लोगों के स्वास्थ्य और खेती पर बुरा असर डाल रहा है. इस समस्या को समझते हैं और जानते हैं कि क्या करना जरूरी है.

Urban Lab

Mega cities in India witness high ozone pollution this summer

“If unchecked, this can become a serious public health crisis as ozone is a highly-reactive gas and can be harmful even with short-duration exposures,” said Anumita Roychowdhury, Executive Director at the CSE ALL mega cities in India, including Kolkata, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Hyderabad and Chennai, saw high concentration of ground-level ozone pollution this summer season, according to a new analysis by think tank Centre for Science and Environment (CSE). A previous analysis had shown that ozone, instead of particulate matter, was the main pollutant in Delhi’s daily Air Quality Index (AQI) on several days this summer. The new analysis by the CSE’s Urban Lab highlighted that ozone, unlike primary pollutants, is not released directly from any source. It forms through complex chemical reactions involving nitrogen oxides (NOx), volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and carbon monoxide (CO), pollutants emitted by vehicles, power plants, industries and other sources of combustion. These substances react in presence of sunlight, leading to formation of ozone at the ground level. Anumita Roychowdhury, Executive Director at the CSE, said: “If unchecked, this can become a serious public health crisis as ozone is a highly-reactive gas and can be harmful even with short-duration exposures.” She added that while cities in north India experience high ozone levels in summer due to intense heat and strong sunlight, cities in warmer climates are also seeing consistent ozone exceedance in other seasons. The current policy focus must be expanded to include improved monitoring, the mitigation of this toxic gas and a reduction in high local exposures. Ozone mitigation needs drastic control over a range of gases from vehicles, industry and all combustion sources, Roychowdhury said. Sharanjeet Kaur, deputy programme manager at the CSE’s Urban Lab, said: “Inadequate monitoring, limited data and inadequate methods of trend analysis have weakened the understanding of this growing public health hazard across cities of India. Instead of merely averaging out the levels for the city, which is the standard practice to estimate the AQI, it is also important to adequately capture the high levels of local build-up and exposures in the hotspots and design mitigation strategies accordingly.” Between March 1 and May 31 this year, Mumbai recorded ozone exceedance on 32 out of 92 days across its monitoring stations, a 42-per cent drop compared to the same period last year. The worst day in terms of spread was March 29, when eight out of 31 stations reported exceedance. The highest ground-level ozone concentration recorded was 90 micrograms per cubic metre. In Kolkata, ozone levels crossed the safe limit on 22 out of 92 days, a 45-per cent decline compared to last summer. The city also saw an overall improvement, with the average hourly ozone peak dropping by 22 per cent. Bengaluru saw ozone exceedance on 45 of the 92 days, a 29-per cent increase from last year. The worst day was March 31, when four of 14 stations recorded levels above the standard. Hyderabad recorded 20 ozone exceedance days, a 55-per cent drop compared to last summer. The highest ozone level recorded in the city was 51 micrograms per cubic metre. Chennai saw ozone exceedance on 15 days this summer. No such exceedance was reported during the same period last year. In comparison, the city had three exceedance days in 2023 and 19 in 2022. The highest level this year was 64 micrograms per cubic metre.

DTE - Web

UN SDG Report 2025

Context: The UN SDG Report 2025, released at the High-Level Political Forum, warns that 35% of measurable SDG targets are stagnating or reversing, with five years left to 2030. About Summary of UN SDG Report 2025: SDG 2: Zero Hunger Hunger affected 9.1% of the global population in 2023 (~713–757 million people). 2.33 billion people faced moderate or severe food insecurity in 2023. Sub-Saharan Africa: 23.2% hunger prevalence and Southern Asia: 281 million hungry. SDG 4: Quality Education 57% of targets show no progress or are regressing. School completion, foundational literacy, and gender parity remain unmet in many nations. SDG 6: Clean Water & Sanitation 2.2 billion people lack safely managed drinking water. 3.4 billion people have no access to sanitation and 1.7 billion lack hygiene access. SDG 8: Decent Work & Economic Growth Half the targets stagnated or regressed. 57.8% of workers globally are in informal employment. Youth unemployment in 2024 stood at 12.9%, 3× adult rate (3.7%). SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities Rising inequality across income, access to vaccines, digital divide, and climate vulnerability. No significant redistribution mechanisms expanded post-COVID-19. SDG 14: Life Below Water 40% of targets regressing. Ocean acidification, marine pollution, and overfishing worsening. Least funded SDG, as highlighted at UN Ocean Conference 2025. SDG 3: Good Health & Well-Being Maternal mortality and universal health coverage targets stalled. Health systems under post-pandemic strain and chronic underinvestment. SDG 12, 15, 16 (Responsible Consumption, Life on Land, Peace & Justice) 40–42% of targets off-track. Forest loss, biodiversity erosion, institutional backsliding seen in many nations. Negative Trends Identified: Climate Crisis: 2024 was the hottest year; WMO predicts an 80% chance of hotter years ahead, endangering food, water, and health security. Extreme Poverty: Over 800 million people remain extremely poor; SDG1 is off-track as 8.9% may still live in poverty by 2030. Debt & Aid Decline: A 7.1% fall in official aid in 2024 hampers SDG funding for low-income nations. SDG Financing Gap: A $4 trillion annual gap stalls SDG investments in developing countries due to limited access to affordable capital. Positive Trends Identified: HIV Infections: Global HIV cases declined 40% since 2010, marking strong gains in SDG3 health targets. Malaria Control: 2.2 billion malaria cases averted and 12.7 million lives saved since 2000 through prevention and treatment. Social Protection: Coverage now reaches over 50% of the world population, advancing inclusive welfare goals. Way Ahead: Roadmap for 2030: Reform Global Finance Architecture: Adopt the Sevilla Commitment: Expand multilateral lending, cut debt burdens. Focus on Six Key Accelerators: Transform food systems, ensure energy access, promote digital transformation. Expand inclusive education, create decent jobs, and protect climate/biodiversity. Build Resilient Data Systems: Implement the Medellín Framework for Action for data-driven SDG policies. Target Most Affected SDGs: Immediate action on SDG 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 — with multilateral and domestic investments. Urgent Multilateralism: Recommit to collective action beyond national interest — especially in G20 and BRICS forums. Conclusion: The UN SDG Report 2025 paints a sobering picture of stagnation amid global crises. While there are islands of success, systemic transformation and urgent global cooperation are essential. Achieving the 2030 Agenda now hinges on political will, equitable finance, and inclusive governance.

Director General Office

2-day training programme on human rights for Indian Forest Service Probationers organised by the IGNFA with the support of the NHRC, India begins in Dehradun

The training programme is spread into 13 theme-based sessions being addressed by eminent domain experts like Shri Rajiv Jain, Former NHRC Member; Shri Rajiv Kumar, Former Chief Election Commissioner; Shri Prasant Kumar, Member, CAT Srinagar; Dr S. P. Yadav, DG, International Big Cats Alliance (IBCA); Shri R. R. Rashmi, Former Spl Secretary, MoEFCC; Dr C. N. Pandey, Former PCCF (HoFF), Gujarat; Smt Meenakshi Negi, PCCF (HoFF), Karnataka; Ms Sunita Narain, DG, Centre for Science and Environment (CSE); Shri D. K. Nim, Former Joint Secretary, NHRC; and Shri Franklin L. Khobung, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare.

Urban Lab

Mega cities in India see high concentration of ozone pollution this summer

Urban Lab

Mega cities in India see high concentration of ozone pollution this summer

A recent analysis by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) reveals high ground-level ozone pollution in major Indian cities like Kolkata, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Chennai this summer. Ozone, formed by reactions involving pollutants from vehicles and industries, poses a public health risk. The analysis emphasizes the need for improved monitoring and mitigation strategies to address this growing concern.

Urban Lab

Ozone pollution: Mega Indian cities see high concentration this summer

All mega cities in India, including Kolkata, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Hyderabad and Chennai, saw high concentration of ground-level ozone pollution this summer season, according to a new analysis by think tank Centre for Science and Environment (CSE). A previous analysis had shown that ozone, instead of particulate matter, was the main pollutant in Delhi's daily Air Quality Index (AQI) on several days this summer. The new analysis by the CSE's Urban Lab highlighted that ozone, unlike primary pollutants, is not released directly from any source. It forms through complex chemical reactions involving nitrogen oxides (NOx), volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and carbon monoxide (CO), pollutants emitted by vehicles, power plants, industries and other sources of combustion. These substances react in the presence of sunlight, leading to the formation of ozone at the ground level. Anumita Roychowdhury, executive director at the CSE, said: "If unchecked, this can become a serious public health crisis as ozone is a highly-reactive gas and can be harmful even with short-duration exposures." She added that while cities in north India experience high ozone levels in summer due to intense heat and strong sunlight, cities in warmer climates are also seeing consistent ozone exceedance in other seasons. The current policy focus must be expanded to include improved monitoring, the mitigation of this toxic gas and a reduction in high local exposures. Ozone mitigation needs drastic control over a range of gases from vehicles, industry and all combustion sources, Roychowdhury said. Sharanjeet Kaur, deputy programme manager at the CSE's Urban Lab, said: "Inadequate monitoring, limited data and inadequate methods of trend analysis have weakened the understanding of this growing public health hazard across cities of India. Instead of merely averaging out the levels for the city, which is the standard practice to estimate the AQI, it is also important to adequately capture the high levels of local build-up and exposures in the hotspots and design mitigation strategies accordingly." Between March 1 and May 31 this year, Mumbai recorded ozone exceedance on 32 out of 92 days across its monitoring stations, a 42-per cent drop compared to the same period last year. The worst day in terms of spread was March 29, when eight out of 31 stations reported exceedance. The highest ground-level ozone concentration recorded was 90 micrograms per cubic metre. In Kolkata, ozone levels crossed the safe limit on 22 out of 92 days, a 45-per cent decline compared to last summer. The city also saw an overall improvement, with the average hourly ozone peak dropping by 22 per cent. Bengaluru saw ozone exceedance on 45 of the 92 days, a 29-per cent increase from last year. The worst day was March 31, when four of 14 stations recorded levels above the standard.

Urban Lab

Ozone pollution surges across major Indian cities, posing serious health risks: CSE

Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) ... Centre for Science and Environment (CSE). Revealing a disturbing trend, the latest analysis by the

Urban Lab

High ozone pollution observed in Indian mega cities

Ground-level ozone pollution jumped in big Indian cities like Kolkata, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Chennai this summer, says a new Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) report. The main culprits? Sunlight mixing with emissions from cars, power plants, and factories. Ozone is a serious lung irritant Ozone isn't just a buzzword—it's a gas that can seriously mess with your lungs even after short exposure. Northern cities see sharp spikes when the heat is on; warmer metros deal with high ozone levels most of the year. Experts are urging better local tracking and tougher emission rules to help keep people safe. Bengaluru, Chennai, and Hyderabad had varying experiences Between March and May 2025, Mumbai and Kolkata actually saw about 40-45% fewer days with high ozone compared to last year. Hyderabad did even better with a 55% drop. But Bengaluru had a 29% increase in bad ozone days, while Chennai went from zero last year to 15 this time around. Clearly, each city needs its own game plan to tackle the problem.

Urban Lab

Summer of Ozone: India's Cities Battle Rising Air Pollution

India's mega cities, such as Kolkata, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Chennai, are grappling with high levels of ground-level ozone pollution this summer, according to new findings by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE). The organization emphasized that if not curtailed, this pollution could grow into a significant public health concern. The research uncovered that ozone, unlike primary pollutants, is a secondary pollutant forming through intricate chemical reactions involving nitrogen oxides (NOx), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and carbon monoxide (CO). These emissions, sourced from vehicles, power plants, and other combustion processes, react in the presence of sunlight to create ozone at Earth's surface. Anumita Roychowdhury, CSE's Executive Director, expressed concern over escalating ozone levels, particularly in north Indian cities in summers, due to intense heat. Highlighting a gap in adequate monitoring and mitigation strategy, experts call for expanded policy focus and better data analysis to manage the crisis effectively.

Urban Lab

कोलकाता, बेंगलुरु, मुंबई... भारत के इन शहरों के लिए मुसीबत ला रहा OZONE प्रदूषण!

भारत के बड़े शहरों जैसे कोलकाता, बेंगलुरु, मुंबई, हैदराबाद और चेन्नई में इस गर्मी (2025) में जमीन के स्तर पर ओजोन प्रदूषण ने खूब सिर उठाया है. सेंटर साइंस एंड एनवायरनमेंट (CSE) की नई रिपोर्ट के मुताबिक,

Industrial Pollution

India is at the Energy Crossroads and Must Clean Up its Coal Act

India’s complicated love affair with coal is no secret. As the world’s third-largest carbon emitter, the country is under immense pressure—both domestic and global—to reduce its carbon footprint. Yet coal remains the cornerstone of India’s energy matrix, powering over 70% of its electricity generation. The question isn’t whether India can wish away coal—it’s how it can make coal cleaner while pursuing economic growth and energy security. At a recent event hosted by the Centre for Science and Environment, Ashok Lavasa, a former secretary to key union ministries, captured this nuance aptly: “If coal is king, can it be a benevolent king?” The answer lies not in utopian ideals but in pragmatic solutions that blend energy reliability with environmental responsibility. Coal’s Staying Power—and Its Environmental Cost Electricity demand in India is soaring. From 2021 to 2025 alone, it jumped by over 9%, with forecasts suggesting it could double by 2030. Renewable energy is growing too—currently making up 46% of installed capacity—but its intermittency limits its ability to meet peak demand, especially at night. Thermal power plants offer grid stability and continuous supply, but at a steep environmental cost. More than 40% of India’s annual carbon emissions stem from electricity generation, with coal being the main culprit. While the net-zero target by 2070 remains firm, the route to get there is complicated. Can We Burn Coal Without Burning the Planet? The answer may not lie in phasing out coal entirely, but in innovating how it’s used. A recent CSE report suggests decarbonising thermal plants could slash emissions by up to 30%. One proposal includes reducing the minimum operational threshold of these plants from 55%—a level often maintained even when renewable power is available—to lower figures, enabling more dynamic balancing with green sources. Another option is to increase the use of agricultural residue in place of coal. This has already led to measurable reductions in Delhi and surrounding areas, though adoption elsewhere remains minimal. Technologies that capture carbon dioxide emissions are also being explored but currently capture only about 0.1% of global emissions. The path to cleaner coal, however, is paved with costs and uncertainties. Upgrading existing infrastructure, adopting new technology, and training operators require substantial capital and policy commitment. And the million-dollar question remains—who pays for all this? Policy Steps Forward—or a Step Backward? In a controversial move, India recently exempted 78% of its thermal power plants from installing flue gas desulphurisation (FGD) systems, which are vital for controlling sulphur dioxide (SO₂) emissions. These emissions contribute to fine particulate matter, which causes respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. The Ministry’s rationale is based on low current SO₂ levels and the assumption that Indian coal has lower sulphur content. Experts argue otherwise. Studies show that thermal plants can impact air quality up to 200 kilometers away, and simply using taller chimneys disperses pollutants without eliminating them. With just 8% of plants having installed FGD units so far, this rollback of environmental safeguards could affect millions. A Glimmer of Strategic Innovation There is a silver lining. The government is exploring the conversion of 10 retired thermal power plants into nuclear power stations. These sites already have much of the necessary infrastructure and offer a low-carbon pathway to help meet India’s goal of 100 GW nuclear capacity by 2047. If implemented carefully—keeping in mind seismic stability, water access, and population proximity—this could be a transformative step. India’s journey toward a cleaner energy future is not a linear one. Coal will remain part of the equation for decades to come. But it’s what India does in the meantime—how it makes coal cleaner, invests in energy storage, balances grid stability, and builds trust with its people and the planet—that will define its leadership in the energy transition. The king isn’t going anywhere just yet. But with the right reforms, it just might learn to rule with a lighter, greener touch.

Climate Change and Green Economy

India crosses 50% non-fossil power capacity target under Paris Agreement: Cabinet

“As a commitment made to the Paris Agreement, the achievement of India’s NDC target is commendable and signals its intent to diversify its energy mix whilst continuing to tackle growing power demand. Having achieved this, all efforts must now be directed to raise the actual share of generation from renewables (combined with storage) in the power mix—which currently stands at 13% for solar and wind—to displace coal,” programme manager for climate change at the Centre for Science and Environment, Avantika Goswami, said. India has surpassed its target of installing 50% of its power capacity from non-fossil fuel sources, achieving a key nationally determined contribution (NDC) under the Paris Agreement five years ahead of the 2030 target, the Union Cabinet said on Wednesday. “India’s achievement of 50% non-fossil fuel installed capacity ahead of the target year is a testament to its ambition, innovation, and commitment to sustainable development. It affirms that development and decarbonisation are not contradictory goals, but can in fact reinforce each other. As the country moves toward the goal of 500 GW of non-fossil capacity by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2070, the path forward must be bold, inclusive, and technology-driven,” union minister of new and renewable energy Pralhad Joshi said on July 14. India’s updated NDCs under the Paris Agreement, submitted in August 2022, said that the country aims to reduce the emissions intensity of its gross domestic product (GDP) by 45% by 2030 from 2005 levels; increase the share of non-fossil fuel-based energy resources to 50% of its installed power generation capacity by 2030; and create an additional carbon sink of 2.5 to 3 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent through additional forest and tree cover by 2030. According to data from the ministry of new and renewable energy, India’s total power capacity as of June 30 was 484.8 GW, with 242.04 GW (49.92%) from thermal/coal, 8.78 GW (1.81%) from nuclear, and 234.00 GW (48.27%) from renewable sources, including large hydro. The cabinet also said that India is on track to fulfil its commitments under the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26), held in Glasgow. Addressing a gathering that included over 120 heads of state at COP26, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said India would increase its non-fossil fuel energy capacity to 500 GW by 2030, fulfil 50% of its energy requirements from renewable sources by 2030, reduce its total projected carbon emissions by 1 billion tonnes between now and 2030, reduce the carbon intensity of its economy by 45% by 2030, and achieve net-zero emissions by 2070. “As a commitment made to the Paris Agreement, the achievement of India’s NDC target is commendable and signals its intent to diversify its energy mix whilst continuing to tackle growing power demand. Having achieved this, all efforts must now be directed to raise the actual share of generation from renewables (combined with storage) in the power mix—which currently stands at 13% for solar and wind—to displace coal,” programme manager for climate change at the Centre for Science and Environment, Avantika Goswami, said. The cabinet committee on economic affairs, chaired by PM Modi, has granted enhanced delegation of powers to the National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) Limited, beyond the existing guidelines for Maharatna central public sector enterprises (CPSEs). This will allow NTPC to invest in its subsidiary, NTPC Green Energy Limited (NGEL), and enable NGEL to further invest in NTPC Renewable Energy Limited (NREL) and its other joint ventures and subsidiaries. The investment limit was raised from the earlier approved ₹7,500 crore to up to ₹20,000 crore for renewable energy capacity addition, in line with the goal of achieving 60 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2032.