GIRD

World Ozone Day Seminar 2026

GIRD National Seminar • World Ozone Day 2026

World Ozone Day Seminar held at Delhi Technological University

National Seminar on World Ozone Day 2026
“Beyond the Shield: Bridging Ozone Recovery and Climate Action”

On the occasion of World Ozone Day (16 September 2026), commemorating the Montreal Protocol for protection of the Ozone Layer, the Green Institute for Research and Development (GIRD), New Delhi, organized a National Seminar titled "Beyond the Shield: Bridging Ozone Recovery and Climate Action".

The event was held in academic partnership with the Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Delhi Technological University (DTU), and supported by the Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India.

Chief Guest Dr. Praveen Kumar alongside GIRD leadership, DTU faculty and delegates

Caption: Chief Guest Dr. Praveen Kumar alongside GIRD leadership, DTU faculty, and eminent delegates at Delhi Technological University.

Key Seminar Highlights & Discussions

Eminent scientists, policy experts, and scholars from across the country participated in the discussions.

Stratospheric Success vs. Tropospheric Challenges

While the Montreal Protocol has successfully reduced stratospheric ozone depletion, threats in the troposphere persist due to rising emissions, unregulated pollutants, and climate change linkages.

Sustainable Cooling (ICAP)

Speakers highlighted the critical role of the India Cooling Action Plan (ICAP) in driving sustainable cooling, energy efficiency, and the adoption of low-Global Warming Potential (GWP) refrigerants.

Call to Action

The seminar emphasized strengthening research, enhancing youth engagement, and aligning policy to connect ozone protection with broader climate action for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Chief Guest Dr. Praveen Kumar addressing the World Ozone Day Seminar

Caption: Chief Guest Dr. Praveen Kumar, Director, Mission Mausam, addressing the gathering.

Keynote & Chief Guest Address

Chief Guest Address: Dr. Praveen Kumar, Director, Mission Mausam (Ministry of Earth Sciences), addressed the gathering on the vital interlinkages between ozone recovery, climate monitoring, and India's Mission Mausam initiative.

Role of NGOs: Dr. K.P. Hareendran Achari (President) and Mr. Shamsuddeen A.K. (Secretary), GIRD, emphasized the vital role of community-led action by NGOs in advancing climate action.

Guest of Honour Prof. Mukesh Sharma interacting with seminar delegates

Caption: Guest of Honour Prof. Mukesh Sharma interacting with seminar delegates.

Expert Insights & Technical Sessions

Guests of Honour Prof. Mukesh Sharma (Professor-Emeritus, IIT Kanpur) and Prof. Govind Pandey (Director-General, Buddha Group of Institutions, Gorakhpur) delivered expert presentations covering:

  1. Scientific facts behind the ozone layer and causes of its depletion.
  2. Practical solutions and global achievements under the Montreal Protocol.
  3. Robust mechanisms for ongoing monitoring and climate action enforcement.

Technical Session Presenters

Dr. Ramakrishna Ramisetty
Scientist, Switzerland
Dr. Shankar G. Aggarwal
Chief Scientist, National Physical Laboratory
Prof. Shri Harsha Kota
IIT Delhi
Dr. Anil Kumar
Former Director, Department of Environment, Govt. of Delhi
Dr. Chinmay Kumar Jena
Scientist, Indian Meteorological Department
Dr. Vimal Gahlot
Student delegates and scholars participating in technical sessions

Caption: Student delegates and scholars participating in the technical sessions.

GIRD Secretary delivering opening remarks

Caption: GIRD Secretary delivering opening remarks during the National Seminar.

More Pictures from the Seminar

Glimpses from the National Seminar, technical sessions, guest interactions, student participation, and academic discussions held at Delhi Technological University.

Towards a Sustainable Future

The seminar concluded with a shared commitment to strengthening scientific research, public awareness, youth participation, and collaborative action towards protecting the ozone layer and addressing the challenges of climate change.