Wed Jul 16 21:07:34 UTC 2025: Here’s a news article summarizing the provided text, suitable for “The Hindu” newspaper:

**Hyderabad Grapples with Ozone Pollution Spike, Bolarum Hit Hardest**

**Hyderabad, July 17, 2025:** A new study reveals that ground-level ozone pollution spiked in Hyderabad during the summer months, with the industrial area of Bolarum experiencing the most severe impact. The report, titled ‘An invisible threat: Ground-level ozone – Metro cities’ by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), examined air quality data from five major Indian cities.

Between March and May 2025, Bolarum exceeded the safe ozone limit of 100 μg/m³ on 17 days, reaching nearly 140 μg/m³ on some occasions. ICRISAT and Ramachandrapuram also saw exceedances, but to a lesser extent. Overall, Hyderabad recorded 20 days of ozone levels above acceptable limits, concentrated primarily between May 2nd and May 20th. However, this is a 55% improvement compared to last summer, said the report.

The study found that ground-level ozone in Hyderabad is lingering longer after sunset, with average hourly peaks 3% higher than in May 2024. Across the five cities studied, Bengaluru had the highest number of exceedance days at 45, followed by Mumbai (32), Kolkata (22), and Chennai (15).

Ground-level ozone, unlike direct pollutants, forms through complex chemical reactions involving nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and carbon monoxide, emitted by vehicles, power plants, and factories. VOCs also have natural sources, such as vegetation, explaining the higher levels at ICRISAT. The report warns that ground-level ozone can travel significant distances, impacting agricultural productivity and posing a serious threat to public health. Even short-term exposure can inflame airways, increase susceptibility to infections, and worsen respiratory conditions like asthma and bronchitis. Children, the elderly, and those with existing respiratory problems are particularly vulnerable.

While Hyderabad also experiences ozone exceedances in winter due to stagnant air, there was a significant improvement this past winter, with only nine days of exceedance compared to 43 in the winter of 2024.

The CSE study emphasizes the need for targeted interventions to reduce emissions of ozone precursors and protect public health in Hyderabad and other metropolitan areas.

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