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Order of the National Green Tribunal regarding disposal of e-waste, 15/01/2021

  • 15/01/2021

Order of the National Green Tribunal in the matter of Shailesh Singh Vs State of Uttar Pradesh & Others dated 15/01/2021.

The matter related to remedial action against unscientific disposal of e-waste resulting in contamination of ground water and soil acidification. Question for consideration inter alia is whether in terms of the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2016 (EWMR), there is due enforcement of the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), authorization regime, collection and dismantling and other steps.

The NGT after going through the reports filed by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Oversight Committee for Uttar Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB) and Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) directed that steps be taken for scientific enforcement of EWMR.

The major areas to be focused are:

  1. enforcement of EWM Rules,
  2. implementation of authorization regime,
  3. implementation of EPR regime,
  4. bridging the gap between collection target and collection,
  5. enhancing the installed dismantled capacity to match the e waste generation,
  6. implementation of environmental compensation regime,
  7. constant Vigilance and monitoring, 
  8. creation of awareness amongst masses and collectors/ handlers/dismantlers/recyclers.

The NGT said that the CPCB must update the status periodically at least once in six months and issue appropriate directions in the light of the reports received.

The  e-waste on the bank of River Ramganga must be shifted in an environmentally sound manner and the banks of river Ramganga should be cleaned and "no deposition of e-waste/black powder observed", the order of January 15, 2021 said.

The DPCC has been directed to ensure that dismantlers and recyclers must be located in the conforming areas and provided with proper infrastructure facilities. Further, all the State PCBs/PCCs need to identify the hotspots by constant vigil and to coordinate with the district administration at local levels to prevent damage to the environment and public health and meaningful enforcement of rule of law. The E-waste should be shifted to the nearest TSDFs for safe disposal.