India's Success in Phasing Out Ozone-Depleting HCFCs

India has successfully achieved 67.5% of its target for phasing out hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), the Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav announced ahead of the Montreal Protocol deadlines. This announcement was made during an event celebrating World Ozone Day, emphasizing the success of the global treaty in eliminating ozone-depleting substances.

With the Montreal Protocol eliminating 99% of these harmful substances worldwide, the ozone layer is on a path to recovery, expected to return to its pre-1980 state by 2050, Yadav stated. The protocol, hailed as the most successful international environmental agreement, has led to significant reductions in health and ecosystem risks from ultraviolet radiation.

Yadav highlighted India's pioneering comprehensive cooling action plan, which, through inter-ministerial collaboration, aims to provide sustainable cooling solutions while minimizing negative environmental impacts. Research on next-generation cooling appliances and refrigerants is being advanced in collaboration with eight Indian Institutes of Technology to bolster the R&D ecosystem.

(With inputs from agencies.)