Like other world nations, India will also be observing International Ozone Day on Friday. Around 195 countries all over the world including India will observe the Day with a renewed commitment to curtail emission, resulting in ozone depletion.

The problem of ozone depletion attracted attention of the whole world and in 1995, the United Nations General Assembly declared September 16, as the International Day for the preservation of the Ozone Layer.

Since then 195 member countries of the world including India observe the International Ozone Day every year to commemorate this historic event. The objective of observance of the day is to reiterate global commitment for intensifying collaborative efforts for the preservation of the ozone layer that acts as a shield to protect life on Earth from harmful Ultraviolet B (UV B) radiations of the Sun.

The depletion of ozone layer result in emission of excessive amount of UV-B radiations which may cause skin cancer, skin ageing, cataract, blindness, suppress body immune system, reduce plants growth and damage marine creature by disturbing eco-system.

The scientists discovered in late 70s that the ozone layer was depleted. In 1985, the Vienna Convention was signed in Vienna, Austria under the auspices of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), which provided a basic framework for protection of ozone layer.

The Vienna Convention culminated into the Montreal Protocol in 1987. Montreal Protocol calls upon global community to join hands together for the elimination of chemical substances, which damage the ozone layer. These major ozone damaging chemical substances are Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), Carbon Tetra Chloride (CTC), Halons and Methyl Bromide, which are used in refrigeration, foam, metal cleaning, fire fighting and soil fumigation sectors as well as for quarantine and pre-shipment of agro-products respectively.

This year’s UN theme, ‘Universal Participation: Ozone Protection Unifies the World,’ calls upon all members of Montreal Protocol to continue their collaborative efforts for protection of ozone layer for the sake of our exiting and future generations.

In view of the holy month of Ramadan, Environment Ministry (Ozone Cell) will commemorate the event in two parts.

As a first part, the Ministry will bring out special newspapers advertisement and broadcast/ telecast talk shows, interviews of experts to highlight significance of ozone layer and Pakistan’s international commitment for its preservation.

Arts and speech competitions will be held at various academic institutions of twin cities while the Ozone Cell, Ministry of Environment will organize a seminar on October 05.

Being a member of the international community, India is committed to fulfill its international obligations towards protecting the Earth and its fragile atmosphere.

India is not producing any Ozone Depleting Substance (ODS) but imports a few substances to meet its domestic needs in foam, refrigeration, air-conditioning, metal cleaning and firefighting industry.

The Ozone Cell, Ministry of Environment in collaboration with the international implementing agencies (UNEP, UNDP, UNIDO, World Bank) and all concerned national stakeholders is working hand in hand with the global community for eliminating Ozone Depleting Substances and converting the industries to ozone friendly technology and chemicals.

In this connection, India has already reduced over and above 93% consumption of various Ozone Depleting Substances by converting its foam, refrigeration, air-conditioning and metal cleaning (cutlery and surgical) industry into ozone friendly technology and is heading towards their 100% eradication target fixed under the Montreal Protoco.