India well on way to CFC reduction targets

New Delhi, Sep 16 (UNI) India has achieved 50 per cent target of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) production from 22,558 MT to 11,294 MT and consumption from 6,681 MT to 1,940 MT.

The most critical and important target of production and consumption of another ozone depleting substance used as cleaning and process agent--Carbon Tetra Chloride (CTC) - has also been achieved by adopting suitable alternative technology for non-feedstock applications of CTC.

These achievements were announced by Minister of State for Environment and Forest Namo Narain Meena at a function held to mark the Twelfth International Day for preservation of Ozone Layer, which is observed to commemorate the date of signing of the Montreal Protocol on substances that deplete the ozone layer.

On this occasion, National awards for Prevention of Pollution as well as the Rajiv Gandhi Environment Awards for clean Technology were given. These Awards are given annually to encourage industrial units for taking significant steps and measures towards prevention of environment pollution.

Mr Meena said the Government has developed new policies and regulatory measures like customs and excise duty exemption to investments made by the industries converting to non-ODS technology since 1995. These provisions will be extended during the current financial year 2006-07.

He said India has so far received about Rs 1000 crore to phase-out 23,000 MT production of CFC and CTC and about 22,000 MT consumption of CFC,CTC, Halon and methyl chloroform.

He attributed this success to the active role taken by industries, government authorities, technical institutions, experts, NGOs and said India has complied with its commitment under the Montreal Protocol successfully.

Interactions were on with the governments of Thailand, Philippines and Malaysia on ODS trade related issues, Mr Meena said.

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