Environment is a concurrent subject thus allowing control of both the State Government and the Central Government on policies, regulations and action plans. In the recent past, the Honorable Supreme Court of India has ordered initiatives for protection of environment and prevention of pollution. This order can be passed based on Public Interest Litigation. The Environment Protection Act, 1986 empowers the Central Government to protect and improve the environment and prevent, control and abate environmental pollution. Following are the major steps taken to address the environmental impacts of ozone depletion:

1. Montreal Protocol Implementation:

• India has been a proactive Party to the Montreal Protocol since June 1992.
• Successfully implemented phase-out projects for ozone-depleting substances (ODS) as per the Protocol’s schedule.

2.  Phasing Out Specific ODS:

• Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)
• Carbon Tetrachloride
• Halons
• Methyl Bromide
• Methyl Chloroform
• Achieved phase-out of these substances by January 1, 2010.

3. Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) Phase-Out:

• HPMP Stage-I (2012-2016): Successfully implemented.
• HPMP Stage-II (2017-2024):
  • Currently under implementation.
  • Completely phased out the use of HCFC-141b in rigid foam manufacturing.
  • Achieved a 44% reduction from the baseline by January 1, 2020, surpassing the target of 35%.

4. HPMP Stage-III (2023-2030):

• Phase-out of HCFCs in manufacturing new equipment by December 31, 2024.
• Aims to achieve compliance with HCFC control targets for 2025 and 2030.
• Expected net direct emission reductions of 19,239,929 tonnes CO2 equivalent from 2030 onwards.

5. Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol:

• India ratified the Kigali Amendment in September 2021.
• Commitment to phase down HFCs, which have high global warming potential.
• Phase-down schedule:
  • 2032: 10% reduction.
  • 2037: 20% reduction.
  • 2042: 30% reduction.
  • 2047: 85% reduction.
• National Strategy for HFC phase-down to be developed by 2023.

6. India Cooling Action Plan (ICAP):

• Launched by MoEFCC in March 2019.
• First of its kind globally.
• Aims for an integrated long-term vision towards cooling.
• Focuses on reducing cooling demand, refrigerant transition, enhancing energy efficiency, and advancing technology.
• Seeks to provide socio-economic and environmental benefits related to reduced refrigerant use, climate change mitigation, and Sustainable Development Goals over a 20-year horizon.