Since 1995, on 16 September each year, the International Day for the
Preservation of the Ozone Layer is celebrated. This date has been
designated by the United Nations General Assembly in its resolution
49/114, to commemorate the signing of the Montreal Protocol on
Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer.
This commemoration around the world offers an opportunity to focus
attention and action at the global, regional and national levels on the
protection of the ozone layer. All Member States are invited to devote
this special day to promotion, at the national level, of concrete
activities in accordance with the objectives and goals of the Montreal
Protocol and its Amendment.
History
On 16 September 1987, twenty four Parties signed the Montreal Protocol
on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer. In 1998, in recognition of
the Protocol's unique accomplishments, the General Asembly in its
Resolution 49/114 named 16 September as the International day for the
Preservation of the Ozone Layer. Since that time, the Parties have used
this day to celebrate the signing of the Montreal Protocol, and the
significant environmental and health benefits that this amazing treaty
has yielded.
Source: UNEP
In India
India become party to the Montreal Protocol in June 1992 and prepared
the country program in 1993 for phasing out the Ozone Depleting
Substances. Further, various policy measures including National
Awareness Campaign have also been adapted for smooth implementation of
provisions of the Montreal Protocol. In accordance with the UN
resolution 49/114, the Ozone Cell, Government of India has been
celebrating the International Ozone Day for the Preservation of the
Ozone Layer since 1995 at the national and state level.
(a) Publication of a booklet Titled " The Montreal Protocol : India's
Success Story " which apart from the evolution of Montreal Protocol
gives the various initiatives taken by the Government of India to
fulfill the obligation of the Montreal Protocol.
(b) Publication of a poster, pledge and a sticker and distributed to
industry people, Government Officials and students with a view to raise
public awareness .
(c) Telecasting of a video film on Montreal Protocol and Ozone Layer by the Doordarshan
(d) Children's Painting Competitions .
(e) Competition in schools on awareness of the Ozone Layer problems .
Source: Ozone Cell
General aspects
Widely known substances that cause Ozone Depletion
- Refrigerants
- Insulating Foams
- Solvents
- Aerosols
Primary health issues caused by UV
- Sunburn
- Skin Aging
- Various forms of Skin Cancer
- Eye (Cataracts, Cornea Damages etc.)
- Immune System
