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Order of the National Green Tribunal regarding disposal of e-waste along the banks of river Ramganga, Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh, 23/09/2019

  • 23/09/2019

Order of the National Green Tribunal in the matter of Mahendra Pandey Vs Union of India & Others dated 23/09/2019 regarding disposal of e-waste and black powder along the banks of Ramganga River, Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh. Illegal and unscientific disposal of e-waste was taking place in violation of the Hazardous and Other Waste (Management and Transboundary Movement) Rules, 2016 according to a report submitted by the CPCB to the NGT. Level of mercury was found to be above screening level at Ramganga River.

The Chief Secretary of Uttr Pradesh has submitted a report which was taken up on January 16, 2019 to the effect that an action plan was prepared to be executed in two stages. In Stage– I, there will be temporary storage and in Stage – II, permanent facility will be set up. Status report submitted before the Tribunal on August 3, 2019 states that temporary storage has been ensured and several steps taken for permanent disposal in treatment, storage, and disposal facility (TSDF) at Amroha. The entire process would be completed within three months.

The Tribunal directs that steps for disposal of e-waste and black powder generated be processed in accordance with law and there should be no illegal dismantling of e-waste. All the dismantling and recycling has to done in accordance with law. The CPCB has been asked to ensure that"all handlers/recyclers of e-waste/hazardous or other waste throughout the country" follow the Hazardous Waste Management Rules 2016.