News & Announcement
Sikkim Observes World Ozone Day 2026 with Focus on Ozone Protection and Environmental Awareness
Gangtok, September 16 (IPR): The State of Sikkim observed World Ozone Day 2026 on the theme “Global Action for a Cooler Planet” at the Sikkim Science Centre, Namli, today. The programme was organised by the Environmental Information, Awareness, Capacity Building and Livelihood Programme (EIACP), Resource Partner on Ecotourism, Sikkim State Council of Science and Technology, with support from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India, and the Department of Science and Technology, Government of Sikkim.
The welcome address was delivered by Assistant Scientific Officer, Mr Jai Narayan Karki, who spoke on the significance of protecting the ozone layer and described it as an invisible shield that protects life on Earth from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation. He stressed that safeguarding the ozone layer is essential for protecting human health, the environment and future generations.
He further stated that World Ozone Day serves not only as an occasion to discuss ozone protection, but also as an opportunity to encourage collective responsibility and inspire the younger generation to contribute towards environmental protection.
In his inaugural address, Director, Sikkim State Council of Science and Technology (SSCST), Dr Suman Thapa, spoke on the significance of the ozone layer and its role in shielding the Earth from harmful solar radiation. He highlighted the interlinkages between ozone protection, environmental conservation and climate change, and underscored the need for greater public awareness, particularly among the younger generation.
He also spoke about the expansion of the Sikkim Science Centre as a platform for experiential and interactive learning. The Centre offers a range of facilities, including a Digital Planetarium, 3D Theatre, Humankind Gallery, Fun Science Gallery, Biodiversity Gallery, Science Park, Children’s Activity Corner, Innovation Hub, AR/VR/XR Entertainment, Telescope Viewing, Library and Tod Fod Jod. These facilities provide visitors, particularly students, with opportunities to understand scientific concepts through interactive exhibits and activities.
Dr Thapa further informed that the Environmental Information, Awareness, Capacity Building and Livelihood Programme (EIACP) is being implemented to create awareness and sensitise communities on various environmental issues. He called for collective efforts towards environmental protection and encouraged students and participants to actively engage in initiatives aimed at safeguarding the environment.
The programme was followed by an interactive panel discussion featuring Assistant Professor, Sikkim University, Dr Anand Pariyar, Assistant Professor, SMIT, Dr Santanu Gupta, Assistant Professor, Sikkim University, Dr Nischal Wanjari, Head of Department, Environmental Studies, NBBGC, Tadong, Dr Ajay Chettri, and Editor-in-Chief, Sikkim Chronicle, Mr Nirmal Manger, as resource persons.
The panel discussion focused on the science behind ozone depletion, its environmental and health implications, and the progress made through global efforts towards ozone protection. The panellists explained that ozone is concentrated primarily in the stratosphere, where it absorbs a significant portion of the sun’s harmful UV radiation. Despite being present in relatively small concentrations, stratospheric ozone plays a vital role in protecting life on Earth.
The discussion also covered the role of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and other ozone-depleting substances, which were widely used in refrigeration, aerosols and various industrial applications. The panellists explained how these substances can reach the upper atmosphere and contribute to the chemical processes responsible for ozone depletion, including the seasonal thinning of the ozone layer over Antarctica.
The panellists also drew a distinction between ozone depletion and global warming, explaining that although the two environmental issues are interconnected in certain ways, they are distinct challenges requiring different approaches. They stressed the importance of communicating such scientific concepts in simple and accessible terms, particularly to students and the general public, to promote greater environmental understanding and awareness.
Emphasis was further laid on collective action, sustainable practices and public participation in environmental conservation. The panellists encouraged students and young people to become active stakeholders in protecting the environment and to recognise how individual and community-level actions can contribute to addressing wider global environmental challenges.
Subsequently, painting and essay writing competitions, along with a poster display, were organised for school students, providing them with an opportunity to express their understanding and perspectives on ozone protection and environmental conservation.
The prize distribution ceremony was further held, during which certificates and mementos were presented to the winners of the competitions. In the poster competition, the first prize was awarded to Ms Aditi Sharma of PM Shri Senior Secondary School, Singtam, followed by Mr Sidhant Pradhan of PM Shri TNNS, who secured the second prize, and Ms Dichen Sherpa of Sirwani Secondary School, who secured the third prize.
In the essay writing competition, the first prize was awarded to Ms Arpana Sharma of Ahopul Kishan Senior Secondary School, while the second prize was secured by Ms Riya Tamang of Government Senior Secondary School, Sirwani, and the third prize by Ms Samiksha Chettri of Kamling Senior Secondary School.
In the painting competition, Mr Abius Rai of New Namchi School secured the first prize, followed by Mr Rikjel Lepcha of Kalzang Gyatso Senior Secondary School, Kabi, who secured the second prize, and Mr Nitin Sanyari of PM Shri Government Secondary School, Samdong, who secured the third prize.
Furthermore, the judges appreciated the enthusiasm, creativity and active participation of the students and extended words of encouragement to all the participants. They urged the students to continue nurturing their creative abilities, develop a deeper interest in environmental issues and make use of such platforms to express their ideas and perspectives.
The welcome address was delivered by Assistant Scientific Officer, Mr Jai Narayan Karki, who spoke on the significance of protecting the ozone layer and described it as an invisible shield that protects life on Earth from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation. He stressed that safeguarding the ozone layer is essential for protecting human health, the environment and future generations.
He further stated that World Ozone Day serves not only as an occasion to discuss ozone protection, but also as an opportunity to encourage collective responsibility and inspire the younger generation to contribute towards environmental protection.
In his inaugural address, Director, Sikkim State Council of Science and Technology (SSCST), Dr Suman Thapa, spoke on the significance of the ozone layer and its role in shielding the Earth from harmful solar radiation. He highlighted the interlinkages between ozone protection, environmental conservation and climate change, and underscored the need for greater public awareness, particularly among the younger generation.
He also spoke about the expansion of the Sikkim Science Centre as a platform for experiential and interactive learning. The Centre offers a range of facilities, including a Digital Planetarium, 3D Theatre, Humankind Gallery, Fun Science Gallery, Biodiversity Gallery, Science Park, Children’s Activity Corner, Innovation Hub, AR/VR/XR Entertainment, Telescope Viewing, Library and Tod Fod Jod. These facilities provide visitors, particularly students, with opportunities to understand scientific concepts through interactive exhibits and activities.
Dr Thapa further informed that the Environmental Information, Awareness, Capacity Building and Livelihood Programme (EIACP) is being implemented to create awareness and sensitise communities on various environmental issues. He called for collective efforts towards environmental protection and encouraged students and participants to actively engage in initiatives aimed at safeguarding the environment.
The programme was followed by an interactive panel discussion featuring Assistant Professor, Sikkim University, Dr Anand Pariyar, Assistant Professor, SMIT, Dr Santanu Gupta, Assistant Professor, Sikkim University, Dr Nischal Wanjari, Head of Department, Environmental Studies, NBBGC, Tadong, Dr Ajay Chettri, and Editor-in-Chief, Sikkim Chronicle, Mr Nirmal Manger, as resource persons.
The panel discussion focused on the science behind ozone depletion, its environmental and health implications, and the progress made through global efforts towards ozone protection. The panellists explained that ozone is concentrated primarily in the stratosphere, where it absorbs a significant portion of the sun’s harmful UV radiation. Despite being present in relatively small concentrations, stratospheric ozone plays a vital role in protecting life on Earth.
The discussion also covered the role of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and other ozone-depleting substances, which were widely used in refrigeration, aerosols and various industrial applications. The panellists explained how these substances can reach the upper atmosphere and contribute to the chemical processes responsible for ozone depletion, including the seasonal thinning of the ozone layer over Antarctica.
The panellists also drew a distinction between ozone depletion and global warming, explaining that although the two environmental issues are interconnected in certain ways, they are distinct challenges requiring different approaches. They stressed the importance of communicating such scientific concepts in simple and accessible terms, particularly to students and the general public, to promote greater environmental understanding and awareness.
Emphasis was further laid on collective action, sustainable practices and public participation in environmental conservation. The panellists encouraged students and young people to become active stakeholders in protecting the environment and to recognise how individual and community-level actions can contribute to addressing wider global environmental challenges.
Subsequently, painting and essay writing competitions, along with a poster display, were organised for school students, providing them with an opportunity to express their understanding and perspectives on ozone protection and environmental conservation.
The prize distribution ceremony was further held, during which certificates and mementos were presented to the winners of the competitions. In the poster competition, the first prize was awarded to Ms Aditi Sharma of PM Shri Senior Secondary School, Singtam, followed by Mr Sidhant Pradhan of PM Shri TNNS, who secured the second prize, and Ms Dichen Sherpa of Sirwani Secondary School, who secured the third prize.
In the essay writing competition, the first prize was awarded to Ms Arpana Sharma of Ahopul Kishan Senior Secondary School, while the second prize was secured by Ms Riya Tamang of Government Senior Secondary School, Sirwani, and the third prize by Ms Samiksha Chettri of Kamling Senior Secondary School.
In the painting competition, Mr Abius Rai of New Namchi School secured the first prize, followed by Mr Rikjel Lepcha of Kalzang Gyatso Senior Secondary School, Kabi, who secured the second prize, and Mr Nitin Sanyari of PM Shri Government Secondary School, Samdong, who secured the third prize.
Furthermore, the judges appreciated the enthusiasm, creativity and active participation of the students and extended words of encouragement to all the participants. They urged the students to continue nurturing their creative abilities, develop a deeper interest in environmental issues and make use of such platforms to express their ideas and perspectives.
