Scientific management of mounting e-waste is need of the hour: Minister
India’s second electronic waste (e-waste) management facility is now closer to Bengaluru, which houses numerous information technology companies. Cerebra Integrated Technologies Ltd. (CITL) started crushing unused electronic gadgets (mobile phones, laptops, home appliances etc.,), for re-use in manufacturing, thus reducing the environmental hazards, on Tuesday at Narasapur Industrial Area in Kolar.
Large and Medium Industries and Infrastructure Minister R.V. Deshapande, who inaugurated the facility, stressed the need to focus on scientific management of e-waste. It has become one of the fastest growing waste streams in the world and a major problem. “IT sector has resulted in huge amount of e-waste being generated. The proliferation of mobiles is happening at very great speed due to the digital era, which is adding to the e-waste generation.”
Unsustainable and unscientific handling of e-waste has resulted in huge environmental hazards and it is a matter of concern, he said. “It is estimated that 2.5 million tonnes of e-waste is generated in India. This will be much more if the unorganised sector figures are also considered.”
Mr. Deshapande said Karntaka was placed number one in the country in industrial investment. The State government was committed to encourage investors to start industries here which will result in more employment generation.
CITL Managing Director V. Ranganathan and former Chairman of the Legislative
Council V.R. Sudarshan were present.
• The e-waste management facility was installed on a 12-acre land with a built-up area of 40,000 sq. ft.
• It boasts of end-to-end destruction of e-waste through zero landfill.
• It was established at a cost Rs. 50 crore.
• It is likely to generate jobs for 100 people at present.
