The Principal Bench of National Green Tribunal (NGT) recently, directed Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) to ensure scientific management of e-waste and also said that environmental crimes are as serious as cases of assaults and there was governance deficit on the issue. The directions came after an application was filed by a petitioner seeking remedial action against unscientific disposal of e-waste. NGT Chairperson Justice A K Goel came down heavily on SPCBs after noting that higher authorities were not adequately concerned about the plight of citizens resulting in serious health issues. According to the bench, “The reports by CPCB and others show the magnitude of problem.

 

There are huge gaps in compliance of rules which are being more held in breach than observance showing the authorities charged with the obligation of ensuring pollution free environment in poor light. There are clear governance deficits on the subject and higher authorities are not adequately concerned about the plight of the citizens on account of such serious violations to the detriment of health of the citizens.” It also said, “Environmental crimes are as serious, if not more, as cases of assaults but there is no adequate action.” The NGT stated that co-ordinated approach is required but unless there is monitoring at higher levels and leadership is provided, leaving the matter to lower levels or issuing paper directions cannot result in improvement of the situation.

 

“For petty benefit of retrieving metals poor labour class is engaged in burning electronic wires or other wastes to the detriment of their own health and also the health of others which is not being duly checked by creating awareness,” the bench observed. “Strengthening rules and regulations, strict licensing process and transparency in issuing of licenses are needed for scientific management of e-waste in the country,” Mahima Suri, Marketing and Business Head of Suritex Pvt Ltd, the city-based licensed e-waste recycling company told The Hitavada. Suri said, “Authorities concerned must encourage more e-waste recycling units for recycling and also other organisations like schools, colleges, offices etc for proper disposal of their e-waste.”

 

“Consumers are the key to better management of e-waste. Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), Design for Environment (DFE) and Reduce, Reuse, Recycle (3Rs) are needed for proper disposal of e-waste and to reduce e-waste pollution,” said a city based environmentalist Surbhi Jaiswal. However, the green panel said that CPCB needs to update the status periodically at least once in six months and issue appropriate directions in the light of the reports received.

 

“The CPCB may consider steps for compliance of Rule 16 requiring reduction in the use of Hazardous substances in the manufacture of electrical and electronic equipment and their components or consumable or parts or spares,” the bench said. Environmentalists of Nagpur also welcomed the stand of NGT for commenting on environment crime and importance. Jaiswal said, “Environmental crime is often not taken very seriously inspite of having many environmental laws in place. Thus, the direction given by NGT if implemented, we can save guard our environment till some level.”