World Ozone Day: Experts stress on reduction of vehicular emissions

Srinagar, Sep 18: The Jammu and Kashmir Pollution Control Committee (JKPCC), Kashmir celebrated World Ozone Day 2023 under the theme ‘Montreal Protocol: Fixing the Ozone layer and reducing Climate Change’. The event was inaugurated by Regional Director JKPCC Kashmir, Rafi Ahmad Bhat.
Speaking on the occasion, he deliberated upon the importance and significance of this day for the preservation of Ozone layer and stressed that while global efforts have yielded a positive impact of the Montreal Protocol leading to ozone healing. India too has played a proactive role in phasing out the production and consumption of Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS).
Bhat, however, said depletion in the Ozone layer is a serious issue and needs to be taken care of at individual as well as collective levels by creating and spreading awareness and adopting LIFE Mission (Lifestyle for Environment).
Speaking on the occasion, Gazzala Hassan, Scientist “B” JKPCC, underlined the importance and gave in-depth details of how the Montreal Protocol achieved universal ratification, the most successful environmental programs in action, and an international environmental agreement to protect Earth’s Ozone layer by eliminating the use of Ozone Depleting Substances. She brought the picture of the bad ozone that is created by human activities and stressed upon reduction of vehicular emissions, responsible for the ground-level ozone conditions.
Fayaz Ahmad Bhat, Scientist ‘A’ of JKPCC, delivered an insightful talk on the chemical phenomenon that leads to Ozone depletion and about the overall significance of the Ozone layer. During the Event, a documentary related to the Subject was also run which was appreciated by the participants. Zahoor Ahmad, Scientist ‘A’ of JKPCC, also delivered a speech and appealed for action by one and all.