Aafrin Kidwai 
Representational Image by Maria J. from Pixabay
The Principal Bench of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has issued directions for the implementation of E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2016 after observing that there were huge gaps in the compliance by the State Pollution Control Boards and local authorities, breaching their obligation of ensuring a pollution-free environment.
The directions came on January 15, after three applications were filed in the NGT seeking remedial action against unscientific disposal of e-waste, reports LiveLaw.in.
The NGT was dealing with three different cases having a common issue for consideration i.e. “remedial action against unscientific disposal of e-waste” which resulted in contamination of soil and ground water acidification.
After considering all three matters, the NGT concluded: “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.”
A full copy of the order is available here.
