Considering 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.
A Bench headed by NGT chairperson Adarsh Kumar Goel said that, “proper disposal of e-waste is an important issue. We direct the MoEF, the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board and the Central Pollution Control Board to prepare an action plan for enforcement of rules and taking action against violators.”
The matter came up before the Tribunal in a plea pointing out the unauthorized “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.
Moreover, the plea also contended that electronic waste accounted for 40% of lead and 70% of all heavy metal found in landfills resulting in heavy pollution.