Ninth International Ozone Day

On 19^th December 1994, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 16^th September the International Day for the Preservation of Ozone Layer, commemorating the date in 1987 on which the Montreal Protocol on the Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer was signed (Resolution 49/114). The theme of this year was "Save Our Sky: There is a hole lot more to do for our children".

The Ninth International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer was celebrated in Mumbai on 16^th September, 2003 in co-ordination with the Ozone Cell of this Ministry and the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board. Hon'ble Union Minister of Environment and Forests Thiru T.R. Baalu, presided over the function. Shri Sushil Kumar Shinde, Chief Minister, Maharashtra was the Chief Guest, Hon;ble Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas-Shri Ram Naik and Hon'ble Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra-Shri Chhagan Bhujbal were Special Guests of Honour. Other Guests of Honour present were Shri Surup Singh Naik, Minister for Environment and Forests, Govt. of Maharashtra, Shri Rajesh Tope, Minister of State for Environment and Industry, Govt. of Maharashtra, Shri Mushtaq Antulay, Chairman, Maharashtra Pollution Control Board. , Shri R. Chandramohan, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India, Shri Jayant Kawale, Secretary, Department of Environment, Govt. of Maharashtra, the Director, Ozone Cell and other officers of the Central and State Govrnment.

An exhibition displaying ozone friendly products and non-ODS technology models was inaugurated by the Hon'ble Union Minister for Environment and Forests, Government of India and Hon'ble Chief Minister, Maharashtra. The prize winning posters painted by school children were displayed on this occasion. A cycle rally for school children was also organized to mark this occasion.

On this occasion the UNEP film "Sky Pirates" was telecast on National Doordarshan and two TV film spots and special literature aimed at developing awareness among the school children on the need to protect the Ozone Layer were released. The pledge was administered by the Hon'ble Deputy Chief Minister-Shri Chhagan Bhujbal.

Besides, ozone related literature, special posters, stickers, calendar, school package and other awareness related materials were released to mark the event. An advertisement in all regional languages was released on this occasion highlighting the achievements in the implementation of the Montreal Protocol and other milestones achieved.

Prizes were also distributed by the Chief Guest and Guests of Honour to all the winners of the various competitions organized by Govt. of Maharashtra to mark this occasion.q