Introduction
Ground-level ozone (O₃) is a significant air pollutant that poses serious health risks, particularly in urban areas of India. Its formation is primarily due to the reaction between sunlight and pollutants like volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and nitrogen oxides (NOx), which are abundantly emitted from vehicles, industrial processes, and biomass burning.

Health and Environmental Impact
- Ground-level ozone exacerbates respiratory diseases, leading to increased hospital admissions and healthcare costs.
- It adversely affects crop yields and forest health, thereby threatening food security and biodiversity.
- Vulnerable populations, including children and the elderly, are particularly at risk.

Factors Contributing to Ozone Pollution
- Rapid urbanization and increased vehicular emissions.
- Industrial emissions and the burning of waste.
- Climatic factors such as temperature and sunlight intensity that enhance ozone formation.

Measures to Tackle Ozone Pollution
- **Strengthening Regulatory Framework:**
- Implement stringent emission standards for vehicles and industries.
- Enforce real-time monitoring systems for air quality.
- **Promoting Public Transport:**
- Expand and enhance public transportation systems to reduce reliance on personal vehicles.
- Encourage the use of non-motorized transport, such as cycling and walking.
- **Awareness and Education:**
- Launch public awareness campaigns about the health impacts of ozone pollution.
- Educate communities on reducing emissions through responsible consumption.
- **Technological Innovations:**
- Invest in cleaner technologies and renewable energy sources.
- Promote the use of electric vehicles (EVs) and alternative fuels.
- **Urban Planning:**
- Integrate green spaces into urban planning to improve air quality.
- Design cities to minimize pollution hotspots, such as traffic congested areas.

Conclusion
Addressing ground-level ozone pollution in urban India requires a multi-faceted approach involving regulatory measures, public awareness, and technological advancements. Effective collaboration among government, industry, and citizens is essential to mitigate this invisible but harmful threat.