ITANAGAR, Sep 16: The Arunachal Pradesh State Pollution Control Board (APSPCB) observed World Ozone Day today with a special interactive programme at its office in Naharlagun.
This year’s celebration was based on the theme ‘Global Action for a Cooler Planet – Celebrating 10 Years of Sustainable Cooling under the Kigali Amendment’.
The programme brought together key regulatory officials, environmental experts and representatives from various industrial units and healthcare facilities of the Capital region. The core objective was to encourage industries to adopt eco-friendly technologies, curb the use of Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS) and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
In his keynote address, Nich Meji, Scientist-B, APSPCB, stressed that rapid industrial growth must be aligned with environmental conservation and said that compliance with environmental norms is mandatory for industries.
Thana Manlong, Assistant Environmental Engineer on behalf of APSPCB, addressed the gathering and informed about what a common person can do to reduce ozone depletion. He appealed to the public to maintain their ACs and refrigerators properly, get servicing done only by trained technicians, keep AC temperature at 24°C and spread awareness about the Montreal Protocol.
Earlier, the programme commenced with a welcome address by Ranjeev Kimsing, Assistant Environmental Engineer, APSPCB, who highlighted the significance of World Ozone Day and the historic importance of the Montreal Protocol signed on 16th September, 1987.
The highlight of the event was an informative technical presentation by Dr Anjan Chamuah, Programme Officer from the EIACP Hub, Department of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Itanagar.
In his address, Dr Chamuah educated the gathering on the vital role of the ozone layer in shielding the Earth from harmful ultraviolet radiation. He explained that the Good Ozone present 15-35 km above us in the Stratosphere protects us, while Bad Ozone at ground level is a pollutant. He detailed the primary causes and long-term impacts of ozone depletion due to chemicals like CFCs and HCFCs used in ACs and refrigerators, which led to the creation of the Ozone Hole.
Dr Chamuah concluded by outlining critical steps required for its protection, urging local industries to strictly monitor chemical emissions, transition away from ODS and adopt energy-efficient alternatives in their manufacturing and cooling systems, as mandated under the Montreal and Kigali agreements.
Industrial representatives also participated in technical sessions detailing safe cooling alternatives, waste management and energy-efficient operations.
The programme concluded with an interactive session and a pledge, where all participants and local industry representatives pledged to reduce carbon footprints and transition towards green industrial standards. The Board reiterated its commitment to supporting local enterprises in implementing pollution-prevention technologies for a safer and cooler planet.