Phasing Down Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs)
The Government of India is committed to reducing the production of *planet-warming hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs)* in accordance with international agreements, particularly the Montreal Protocol and its Kigali Amendment.
Environmental Clearances and Deadlines
- Deadline for Environmental Clearances:
The Environment Ministry has set a deadline of December 31, 2027, for granting environmental clearances for new or additional HFC production projects. - Requirement for Applicants:
Applicants seeking clearances must provide an undertaking that their plant will be fully operational by December 31, 2027. - Issuance of Directive:
A directive was issued on April 1 to halt further clearances, communicated via office memorandum to relevant authorities.
International Commitments and Agreements
- Montreal Protocol:
India is a signatory to the Montreal Protocol of 1989, aiming to eliminate ozone-depleting substances, with a complete ban on CFCs since 2010. - Kigali Amendment:
India ratified the Kigali Amendment in 2021, committing to a phased reduction of HFCs starting from January 1, 2028.
Phase-Down Schedule
- Reduction Targets:
India will commence a reduction of HFCs by 10% by 2032, increasing to an 85% reduction by 2047. - Regulatory Mechanisms:
The government plans to amend existing regulations, such as the Ozone Depleting Substances Rules, 2000, to align with the Kigali Amendment's schedule.
