In modern times, every household owns a computer, i-pad, television, cell phone. In e-waste, short 'screens' of myriad sizes are in front of our eyes all the time.
Today, three out of four Indians possess mobile phones. One out of every five people has access to computers. The unavoidable consequence is that the nation of more than a billion individuals is generating tonnes of dangerous 'electronic waste'. E-waste or electronic waste refers to discarded electronic products ranging from computers, equipment of Information and communication technology (ICT), home appliances and peripherals of these devices.
The latter get out-of-fashion and redundant at a fast pace, as a result of which they are discarded more frequently. This generates large amounts of toxic e-waste.
E-waste comprises a witch's mix of hazardous chemicals like cadmium, lead, mercury, poly-chlorinated biphenyls, besides plastics and glass. These contents leach into the soil from landfills and contaminate water bodies. E-wastes, when burnt, also release poisonous gases in the air.
E-waste, if not handled properly, can cause serious health hazards. According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, these risks include silicosis, cuts from cathode ray tube (CRT) glass, inhalation of mercury, tin and lead compounds from circuit boards, acid contact with eyes and skin, and circulatory failure.
E-waste has woven a large informal sector in Indian cities that is involved in segregation and dismantling electronic items. Laming ton road or Crawford market in Mumbai, SP market in Bengaluru and Nehru place, Solapur or Delhi, are all hubs of e-waste disposal sites. Mumbai tops the list of e-waste generating cities, followed by Delhi and Bengaluru.
Ten states in India generate 70% of the total e-waste.
Among developing nations, India is one of the largest producers of e-waste. Also, India is the destination for many developed nations to ship out their own e-waste. However, it has been found that dismantling units in India are poorly equipped, as a result of which less than 5% of the e-waste gets recycled. Also, workers here work in dangerous conditions, without any protection or safety measures.
In 2022, the government passed the e-waste management and handling rules, in which state agencies must have licenses and comply with pollution standards and labor laws.
A fine of up to, 100000 and jail of up to, 7 years would be announced on the violators. The consumers must also take responsibility for their own old electronic goods. They must ensure that their e-waste is deposited at authorized collection centers, or recyclers certified by the central pollution control board and union ministry of environment and forests.
Education awareness and safety gear must be provided for the poor workers who earn their livelihood in this sector. E-waste is one of the most harmful of all waste that we generate.
It is the inevitable and unwelcome gift of modern technology. Let us pledge to dispose of them in the most environmentally friendly way, so as "to" cause the least damage to Mother Earth. Myriad - of an indefinitely great number, innumerable. Hub - a center around which other things revolve or from which they radiate, a focus of activity, authority, commerce, transportation, etc.
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