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The Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer was signed on 16th September, 1987 to protect the Ozone Layer. Since 1995, 16th September is celebrated every year as the International Day for Preservation of the Ozone Layer and commemorates the date of signing of Montreal Protocol.

The Protocol was the culmination of decades of research, which established that chemicals released in the atmosphere could damage the ozone layer. A depleted Ozone Layer in the stratosphere allows the Ultra Violet rays of the sun reach to the earth exposing mankind, flora and fauna to its harmful effects.

Initially on the basis of very definite empirical findings, the Protocol enjoined upon all the signatory nations to completely phase out harmful chemicals such as Chlorofluorocarbons (CFC), halons, Carbontetrachloride (CTC), Methylchloroform in a given time schedule. Later, other studies have brought more chemicals such as Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFC) and Methyl bromide under the purview of the Protocol for phasing out within a given deadline.

India, being a Party to the Vienna Convention and the Montreal Protocol, has been sharing the global concern for protecting the Ozone Layer and phase out of Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS) like CFC, halons, CTC, methyl chloroform, methyl bromide and HCFC which are used in aerosol products, refrigeration and air-conditioning products, foam blowing applications, fire fighting equipment, metal-cleaning applications, soil fumigation appliances, etc.

Since 1993 with the continuous efforts made by officers responsible for implementation of activities relating to the Montreal Protocol, conversion projects for phasing out CFC, halon, CTC, consumption and production were prepared and got approved by the Executive Committee of the Multilateral Fund (MLF). So far, India has received about Rs. 1000 crores to phase-out 23000 MT production of CFC and CTC and about 22,000 MT consumption of CFC, CTC, Halon and methyl chloroform. India has achieved 50% reduction target of CFC production from 22558 MT to 11294 MT and consumption from 6681 MT to 1940 MT. Further, the most important and critical target of 85% reduction target of CTC production and consumption has also been achieved by adopting suitable alternative technology for non-feedstock applications of CTC as on 1.1.2005 through implementation of approved projects.

Government of India has also taken a number of policy measures, both fiscal and regulatory, to encourage early adoption of new technologies by existing and new enterprises. Full exemption from payment of Customs and Excise duties is granted on capital goods required to implement ODS phase out projects funded by the MLF and this benefit is extended for projects and new-establishments using non-ODS technologies. The Ozone Depleting Substances (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000 regulating ODS production, consumption and trade have also been put in place. These Rules are being enforced under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 with effect from 19th July, 2000. Three amendments have been made in 2001, 2003, 2004 and 2005 to the Rules thereafter.

This year the Ozone Day is being celebrated with the message “ Protect the Ozone Layer: Save Life on Earth” On the occasion of the International Day for the preservation of Ozone Layer, a time- bound and measurable target has been set by all United Nations member States. This form the heart of global agenda. Under this goal Primary School education, ensuring Environmental Sustainability and Developing Partnership has been fixed. The United nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the United Nations Education and Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) and the World Health Organisation (WHO) have forged important partnership to provide primary school teachers with practical hands-on and entertaining curricula material to educate their students about the protective role of the Ozone Layer and the causes and consequences of its depletion. The Ozone Education Pack contains an entire teaching and learning programme, based on basic knowledge, practical skills and participation. The pack is part of its global communication with national obligations under Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer. This service is being launched at New Delhi, (India) Nairobi (Kenya) and Santigo de chile (chile) simultaneously.

KP:PM
(Release ID :20730)