The inauguration of three e-waste collection centres on Friday brings the total number of e-waste bins in the city to 10. Member of the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board Vijaykumar inaugurated a collection bin by dumping some electronic waste during the World Environment Day celebrations organised by the Kanara Small Industries Association.
The bin would be kept at the pollution control board office premises at Baikampady to serve the Industrial Area. One each had been set up at Mangalore Chemicals and Fertilisers and Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited, Mr. Vijaykumar said.
By June end, Mangalore would have 12 e-waste collection points for the safe disposal of calculators, batteries, computers, and mobile phones. After the inauguration of the e-waste bin, Senior Environmental Officer of the KSPCB C.D. Kumar said that the State generated around 8,000 tonnes of electronic waste. “But we don't know what happens to it or where it goes.”
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He said that “uncontrolled growth” of technology led to a “culture of forced disposal” of electronic goods that were rendered outdated by technological advancement. The volume of waste had also created a business of import and export of such material.
Mr. Kumar expressed concern for the environment stating that “no amount of tree-planting and speeches will save the environment, if we do not learn to change our lifestyle.” During 2005-2009, agricultural growth declined from 5.7 per cent to a negative growth while mining and quarrying activity grew from 1.3 per cent to 8.7 per cent. “This is nothing but deforestation. If this continues, where will our food come from?” he said. Other e-waste centres are at Roshni Nilaya in Valencia, Bharath Mall in Bejai, Government First Grade College in Car Street, St. Agnes College in Bendoorwell, St. Aloysius College in Lighthouse Hill, University College in Hampankatta, and Sharada Degree College in Kodialbail.