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The Minister of Environment and Forests, Thiru A. Raja, said that the total halon production and consumption have been phased out in India. Unveiling the commemorative plaque to mark the closure of the production site, as required under the Montreal Protocol, and launching the global programme of UNEP, ‘Remember O3ur Future’, here today, Thiru Raja said that halon banking and management system has already been established in India, which will further prevent emission of ozone-depleting halon into the atmosphere.
“Two halon producing companies viz. M/s. SRF Limited and M/s. Navin Fluorine Industries have opted to close their production facilities by receiving a marginal compensation. This action is a benefit to the humanity and a significant landmark in the history of environment protection”, the Minister added.
India, by taking this first step, has shown its commitment to the cause of environment, Thiru Raja said, adding that the closure of halon production facilities not only facilitated India to comply with the provisions of the Protocol but also ensured a healthy and a safe environment for our future generations.
Stating that as per the control schedule of the Montreal Protocol, India has passed the litmus test of achieving the freeze target of chlorofluorocarbons (CFC) on 1.7.1999 and freeze of halon production and consumption as of 1.1.2002, the Minister pointed out that several policy and regulatory measures have been put in place to facilitate compliance with the provisions of the Protocol.
“The Government has granted customs and excise duty exemption on goods required for ODS (Ozone Depleting Substances) phase-out projects and new investments with non-ODS technologies. Further, about 300 investment and non-investment projects have been approved by the Executive Committee at a total cost of about US$240 million to phase-out production and consumption of ODS including halon”, he added.
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