NOx,Ozone emerging threats to cities: TERI

“In recent years,few cities have also violated the annual average standard for NOx and there is a trend towards its increase. Delhi,Bangalore,Pune,Kolkata has shown higher levels of NOx concentrations mainly because of rapid rise in vehicular fleet,” the study said.

The ozone monitoring carried out in Delhi shows that “concentrations have violated the standards specifically in the seasons of higher photo-chemical activity.”

“Because of its chemistry with other pollutants,Ozone is expected to be higher in the regions outside the urban centres and may cause significant damage to the agricultural yield in addition to its ability to impact human health,” the study said.

“This clearly indicates that among these pollutants,particulate matter pollution is most widespread amongst the Indian cities and is of prime concern currently. However,pollutants like NOx and Ozone are emerging threats for future,” the study said .

According to the TERI,this study is first of its kind which simulates Ozone concentrations across the whole Indian sub-domain.