Udhampur, September 16,2026- World Ozone Day was observed in Udhampur with an awareness programme organised by the Forest Department to sensitise students about the importance of the ozone layer and the need to protect the environment. The event brought together students and Forest Department officials, who also joined hands for a plantation drive and took a pledge to preserve nature.
Students Learn About the Ozone Layer
The programme aimed to help young students understand what the ozone layer is, why it matters and how human activities can harm it. Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Udhampur Sandeep Behera interacted with the students and explained the causes and effects of ozone depletion.
He also stressed the important role that youth can play in environmental conservation. Students showed keen interest during the session and took part actively in the discussion.
What Is the Ozone Layer?
The ozone layer is a thin layer of gas high up in the Earth’s atmosphere. It works like a natural shield, absorbing most of the harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays that come from the sun.
Without this protective layer, too much UV radiation would reach the Earth’s surface. This could lead to serious health problems in humans, such as skin cancer, eye damage including cataracts, and a weaker immune system. It can also harm crops, forests, animals and marine life.
Causes of Ozone Depletion
Ozone depletion is mainly caused by man-made chemicals known as ozone-depleting substances. These include chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), halons and some other gases that were once widely used in refrigerators, air conditioners, aerosol sprays, foam products and fire extinguishers.
When these chemicals rise into the upper atmosphere, they break down ozone molecules and weaken the protective layer. Over the years, scientists observed thinning of the ozone layer, especially over the Antarctic region.
Why World Ozone Day Is Observed
World Ozone Day is observed every year on 16 September. The day marks the signing of the Montreal Protocol in 1987, an international agreement under which countries agreed to phase out the production and use of ozone-depleting substances.
The Montreal Protocol is often seen as one of the most successful environmental agreements in the world. Thanks to global cooperation, the use of harmful chemicals has fallen sharply, and scientists say the ozone layer is slowly recovering. The day reminds people that when the world works together, even big environmental problems can be solved.
Role of Youth in Protecting Nature
During the programme, students were encouraged to become messengers of environmental awareness in their homes, schools and communities. Simple daily habits can make a real difference, such as saving electricity, choosing eco-friendly products, reducing waste, avoiding burning of garbage and properly disposing of old appliances like fridges and ACs.
Young people were also motivated to spread awareness about climate change, pollution and the protection of forests and wildlife. When students understand these issues early, they grow into responsible citizens who care for the planet.
Plantation Drive and Pledge
To turn awareness into action, a plantation drive was also organised as part of the programme. Students and Forest Department officials planted saplings together, adding more green cover to the area.
Trees play a vital role in keeping the environment healthy. They clean the air, provide oxygen, support wildlife, prevent soil erosion and help fight climate change.
At the end of the programme, participants took a pledge to protect and preserve nature and to contribute towards a cleaner and greener environment.
A Step Towards a Greener Future
The World Ozone Day programme in Udhampur showed how awareness and action can go hand in hand. By involving students, the Forest Department has helped plant not just saplings, but also the idea of environmental responsibility in young minds.
Protecting the ozone layer and the planet is a shared duty, and every small step counts.
