· Stating that scientific disposal of e-waste is an important factor for protecting the environment, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) to submit an action plan on e-waste management within three months.
· The Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board and the Central Pollution Control Board are directed to prepare an action plan for enforcement of rules and taking action against violators.
· The direction came as the NGT was disposing of a plea against unauthorised “recycling, collection, dismantling, burning, selling” of e-waste and other solid waste on roadsides and riverbanks in violation of E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2016, and Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
· The plea had further stated that electronic waste accounted for 40% of lead and 70% of all heavy metal found in landfills.
· The plea also contended that burning and selling of e-waste and other solid waste resulted in groundwater contamination and air pollution.
Source : The Hindu