India On Forefront In Efforts To Protect Ozone Layer

India figures prominently among nations making efforts to protect the ozone layer, says a report. In recognition of its efforts, it has been re-elected to the executive committee of the multilateral fund for the world programme to protect the ozone cover, an annual report of the environment ministry has said.

India has enacted comprehensive regulations to control usage of ozone depleting substances (ODS) in industries to avoid shrinking of the layer, present about 20 km above the earths surface.

Unchecked radiation can harm health and ecology. Seepage of toxic radiation can cause skin cancer, eye damage, suppress bodys immune system, decrease crop yield besides affecting ocean life.

Several workshops were held this year for small and medium sized enterprises to disseminate information on ODS phaseout, the report said, adding full exemption from payment of customs and excise duties on goods required to implement ODS phase-out projects were also provided to enterprises.

Financial institutions have drawn a policy not to finance or refinance new investments carrying ODS technologies.

India has been on the forefront in promoting global efforts to prevent depletion of the ozone layer which started in early 1970s leading to the adoption of the Vienna Convention in 1985 and the Montreal Protocol in 1987.

To strengthen the world-wide action on this front, India acceded to the Montreal Protocol along with its London amendment. Its provisions became effective from 1992.

Despite several programmes in this regard, recent scientific assessment indicates that ozone levels continue to decrease in all latitudes except over the tropics, following continued usage of ODS in refrigeration and air-conditioning, preparation of foam and spray products, fire extinguishers, fumigation and solvents in electronics and other industries.

In accordance with the global commitment, India has brought imports and exports of ODS under compulsory licensing. Export of ODS to developed countries has been banned.

Considering the countrys efficient execution of the programme, several Indian experts have been included in different world bodies to check ozone depletion. Two Indian experts have been selected as co-chairmen of refrigeration and foam technical options committee and one representative has been selected as the co-chairman of process agents working group of a UN programme . on the Montreal Protocol, the report said.

India led developing countries during the meetings of executive committee of multilateral fund here in 1996 and the meeting of world parties as part of global efforts, it added.