Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) conducted an interaction programme on e-waste management in Peenya Industrial Area, in association with M/s.Auma India Pvt Ltd.
A press note from KSPCB says that the programme was organised in order to create an awareness, among the industrial stakeholders, to practice reuse, recycling and recovering of e-waste, without damaging the environment. 80 participants from various industries of Peenya Industrial Area participated in the event.
Lakshman, Chairman of KSPCB inagurated the event and delivered an inaugural address. He explained that all advancement in information technology and communications’ has stimulated the economy and improved the living standards of human race. However, the dependency on electronic products has led to new environmental problems. E–waste is one of the largest known sources of heavy metals and pollutants in the waste stream. The hazardous or toxic materials ie, lead, mercury, cadmium, chromium, brominated and chlorinated compounds pose threat to human health and environment, if improperly disposed.
He cited the example of Gui Yu in Hongkong, where illegal dumping of e-waste has resulted in contamination of water resources. In addition the uncontrolled fires in the e-waste landfills result in emission of highly toxic, carcinogenic fumes, such as dioxins and furans, which effect the ambient air in the local environment and border global air currents.
R Lakshminarayana, Regional Officer, Peenya delivered a lecture on the topic entitled ‘E-waste’’ (Management and Handling) Rules 2011, overview of management.’
The Ministry of Environment and Forest, Government of India has notified by the legislation ‘e –waste’’ (Handling and Management Rules ) Rules 2011, meant for producers, consumers, collection agencies, dismantles and transporters of e-waste value chain who are responsible for management of e-waste. KSPCB Chairman stressed on the urgent need to bridge gaps between e-waste generation and recycling, by improving channelisation mechanism for proper recycling. KSPCB is regularly conducting awareness programmes on e–waste and giving direction to the Urban Development Department, Municipal Administration, Government of Karnataka, Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) to establish e-waste collection centers at the local bodies.
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