International Day for Preservation of Ozone Layer was observed in the city on Thursday under the auspices of various organisations.
The Gandhian Study Centre under the University of Kerala, in association with the Thiruvanathapuram Gems Magic Society, conducted a poster exhibition before the Secretariat.
The exhibition focussed on creating awareness that planting trees was the only way to check ozone depletion. Inaugurating the exhibition, poet D. Vinayachandran pointed out that the authorities were not taking necessary steps to prevent the felling of avenue trees for road development. The city, he proposed, should follow the example of other South Indian cities in planting and protecting trees.
Magician K.P. Ajith of the Gems Magic Society illustrated the role of trees in protecting the ozone layer thorough a magic show.
Speakers at a seminar organised by the Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment (KSCSTE) underlined the need for shifting the focus to a low carbon lifestyle.
Inaugurating the event, executive vice-president of the KSCSTE Dr. C.T.S. Nair said the availability of materials in the market was disproportionate to the actual requirement.
He said developed nations should change their priorities and policies to check destructive activities and protect the environment. Delivering the presidential address, Dr. K.P. Thrivikramji warned that ozone depletion would lead to irreparable damage to the environment and the biodiversity on earth.
Joint director of the KSCSTE Dr. Kamalakshan Kokkal said the Montreal Protocol was the most successful international agreement being implemented by the member countries of the treaty.
District Coordinator of the National Green Corps Dr. K.G. Ajith Kumar also addressed the gathering.
