Current Affairs - State - Discussion

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF), the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board and the Central Pollution Control Board to submit an action plan on e-waste management within three months. NGT stated that as a measure to combat pollution and protect the environment the scientific disposal of e-waste is an important factor. NGT, while disposing of a plea against unauthorised recycling, collection, dismantling, burning, selling of e-waste and other solid waste on roadsides directed the State and riverbanks in violation of Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 and E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2016. NGT said that electronic waste accounted for 40% of lead and 70% of all heavy metal found in landfills. It also states that burning and selling of e-waste and other solid waste has resulted in groundwater contamination and air pollution.