The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change organised India’s 32nd World Ozone Day celebration in Mumbai on 16 September 2026. The event highlighted India’s track record in meeting international commitments to protect the ozone layer while continuing to develop its economy. Two digital portals were launched to track the country’s climate and net-zero commitments.
What was announced
India’s Net Zero Portal and the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) Dashboard were launched at the event. The Net Zero Portal will act as a central database where industries, organisations and government bodies can register their progress towards achieving net-zero emissions. The NAPCC Dashboard serves as a digital platform displaying India’s overarching national climate action plan with tracking across various national missions.
A partnership was announced in which 12 refrigeration and air-conditioning manufacturers have adopted 248 Industrial Training Institutions. This initiative aims to train the next generation of technicians in eco-friendly cooling technologies and align classroom teaching with industry standards. Germany and India are collaborating to establish a nationally recognised certification system for air-conditioning technicians, with a target to train 25,000 technicians by 2030.
India reaffirmed its compliance with the Montreal Protocol, which governs the phasing out of ozone-depleting substances. The country has already phased out chlorofluorocarbons, carbon tetrachloride and halons for controlled applications. India is currently phasing out hydrochlorofluorocarbons and has met all targets scheduled for 2015, 2020 and 2025. The country ratified the Kigali Amendment in September 2021, committing to phase down hydrofluorocarbons beginning 2032, with deeper cuts in 2037, 2042 and 2047.
What this means for you
If you use air-conditioners, the government suggests servicing them through certified technicians, setting temperatures around 24 degrees Celsius, and choosing high star-rated energy-efficient models. These steps reduce electricity consumption and carbon emissions. Young people interested in technical careers in cooling and refrigeration will have access to improved training through the partnerships between manufacturers and training institutions, creating job opportunities in emerging green technologies.