Sikkim gears up for e-Waste Management
News Courtesy: Sikkim Express, 26 January 2014
We have all been talking of different types of wastes like bio-degradable and non-degradable wastes but somehow e-waste has been missed. E-waste consists of most harmful components like mercury, arsenic and lead which are highly dangerous to the ecosystem and human health. E-waste or electronic waste are discarded electronic euipments, coputer hardware, mobile handsets, chargers and other accessories.
According to the survey conducted by the State Information Technology department, there are around 2000 unserviceable computers in Sikkim. With the annual increase by 10 percent in global e-waste, there is still low level of awareness on the hazards of incorrect disposal of such wastes.
To address the issues faced by the State and mitigate measures to overcome challenges on e-waste management, a workshop was jointly organized by Information Technology (IT) department and Gangtok Municipality Corporation (GMC) on 25th of January, 2013 at GMC conference hall. The workshop was attended by representatives of NGOs, computer dealers, officials from IT department, State Pollution Control Board and GMC.
In his inaugural address, Mayor K. N. Topgay complimented all for taking initiatives on e-waste managment in Sikkim. While other States are just talking about e-waste, we in Sikkim have reached the workshop stage and it's historic for the State. He urged all to get cracking on handling issues raised by e-waste.
IT secretary Rajesh Verma informed about the initiatives taken in collecting unused computer hardware from different departments and auctioning them to registered e-waste recycling firm after issuing a tender. The workshop which intended to mobilize efforts of all the stakeholders in e-waste management is in line with the green efforts of the State government, he further informed.
A collection centre is being set up at the GMC for collection and segregation of e-waste before they are dispatched to the authorized recycling firms.
Also see: e-Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 2011 Click here