The National Green Tribunal (NGT) suo motu cognisance of the matter relating to the rising levels of ground level ozone in Delhi, with many areas exceeding the eight hour standard.
The Petition is registered suo-moto on the basis of the news item dated 22.04.2024.
The news item states that it has become a prominent pollutant in Delhi’s air as shown in an analysis of Central Pollution Control Board’s (CPCB) data.
As per the news item, Ground-level ozone can cause many health problems and ozone levels are predicted to rise further in the coming days.
As per the article, Ozone is produced from the complex interaction between nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are emitted from vehicles, power plants, factories, and other combustion sources. These undergo cyclic reactions in the presence of sunlight to generate ground-level ozone.
The news items quotes a 2023 analysis by Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) which stated that ozone is a highly reactive gas that has serious health consequences. Those with respiratory conditions, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and particularly children with premature lungs and older adults are at serious risk. Ground-level ozone can inflame and damage airways, make lungs susceptible to infection, aggravate asthma, emphysema, and chronic bronchitis and increase the frequency of asthma attacks leading to increased hospitalization.
The news item states that throughout the year, PM2.5 remains a concern, but ozone levels witness a surge in summer. Fossil fuel combustion and biomass burning, coupled with high temperature, leads to ozone production. VOCs also enhance ozone levels and it is necessary to curb the sources of PM2.5 and ozone.
It also states that even short term exposures to high levels can be very harmful.
The news item raises substantial issue relating to compliance of the environmental norms, especially compliance of Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 and the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
“Power of the Tribunal to take up the matter in suo-motu exercise of power has been recognized by the Hon’ble Supreme Court in the matter of “Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai vs. Ankita Sinha & Ors.” reported in 2021 SCC Online SC 897.”
Hence, the Principal Bench of Justice Prakash Shrivastava , Justice Arun Kumar Tyagi and Dr. Afroz Ahmad impleaded the following as respondents in the matter:
(1). Delhi Pollution Control Committee, through its Member Secretary.
(2). Central Pollution Control Board, through its Member Secretary.
(3). Commission for Air Quality Management, through its Director’
The NGT issued notice to the respondents and listed the matter on 06.09.2024.