Ozone Pollution Spreading Across Indian Cities, Mumbai At High-Risk, CSE Warns
Ground-level ozone has emerged as a fast-expanding, multi-season air pollution challenge across 25 major Indian cities, according to a recent analysis by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE). Mumbai faces significant risks, recording some of the highest ozone peaks in the country, prolonged exposure durations, and persistent ozone levels at night. Ground-level ozone is a highly hazardous and invisible "secondary" pollutant formed when emissions from vehicles and industries react with strong sunlight. Delhi-NCR has emerged as the largest regional hotspot, with major impacts also seen in Chandigarh, Jaipur, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru and Patna. Among all the cities analysed, Chandigarh recorded the highest average summer ozone concentration, followed by Ahmedabad and Jaipur.
