
Govt relaxes e-waste rules as deadline looms
The Union ministry of environment has amended the E-waste (Management) Rules, 2016, lowering the initial targets for existing electronics manufacturers and setting weaker goals for new entrants, according to a notification issued by the ministry on March 22.
The amendment was made to “facilitate and effectively implement the environmentally sound management of e-waste in India,” environment minister Harsh Vardhan said in a statement on Friday.
The minister added that the changes would help in “channelizing the e-waste generated in the country towards authorized dismantlers and recyclers in order to formalize the e-waste recycling sector.”
The rules, notified in 2016, required manufacturers to take responsibility for retrieving and recycling a portion of their output, a provision called extended producer responsibility (EPR). When the amendment was proposed in October last year, the ministry argued that it would help the industry prepare and ensure a “level playing field” for new entrants.
The rules lay down progressive targets for e-waste collection and safe disposal. In the third year, producers were mandated to retrieve and safely dispose of 30% of their estimated waste generation with the target increasing to 40% in the fourth year and 70% from the seventh year onwards.
The initial target has now been reduced from 30% to 10% for 2017-18 for existing producers under the new rules but they still have to meet the 70% target by 2023 onwards.
For new entrants, who have been operational for lesser time than the average life of the product they are selling, will have to meet a 5% target in 2018-19 and ultimately a 20% from 2025 onwards.
Pranshu Singhal, the founder of Karo Sambhav Pvt Ltd, said the rules, however, came into effect only in October 2017 which means the target effectively for 2017-2018 is 5%.
“The rules have come at an opportune time as this has helped in clarifying the confusion on the targets for this financial year for producers. A key inclusion in the amendment is that PROs are now required to register with CPCB (Central Pollution Control Board) under the new rules,” Singhal said.
Karo Sambhav is a collaborative Producer Responsibility Organisation (PROs) or third parties to which producers delegate used product management.
Nasscom Foundation, the social arm of the industry trade group, said it welcomes and supports these amendments.
“As of now 90% plus e-waste is being managed by the informal sector, which has been in existence for over two decades. Having new realistic EPR targets will encourage adherence from organisations,” Nasscom Foundation’s chief executive Shrikant Sinha said.
A United Nations-backed report estimated that in 2016, India produced an astounding two million tonnes of e-waste.
The e-waste management rules 2016 superseded those of 2011 and were hailed as a major step forward in tackling the country’s burgeoning waste problem but provisions laying the onus of waste disposal on manufacturers did not go down well with electronics manufacturers.
Activists allege the ministry has bowed to industry pressure and the reliance on the informal sector has actually contributed to the problem of poor waste disposal and pollution.
“They have diluted the rules. There was no attempt to look at the original targets. I don’t see any reason why the targets should have been relaxed,” Satish Sinha, an associate director at Delhi-based NGO Toxics Link, said.

Andhra Asha worker dies after Covid vaccine dose, autopsy awaited

1.6 million Covid jabs given, Karnataka sees highest turnout

India, China hold another round of military talks to defuse LAC tensions
- The situation in the Ladakh sector remains tense and the ongoing military and diplomatic dialogue has not yielded results.

Covid-19 vaccination: Over 16 lakh inoculated in 9 days, Karnataka leads the way

In Tikamgarh district of MP, primary school converted into cow shelter
- A school teacher said more than 200 cows destroyed the kitchen garden and at least 100 plants of flowers, fruits and medicinal plant in the school premises.

Time capsule to be buried on Republic Day to mark 100 years of AMU

Delhi Police Commissioner issues circular for tractor rally
- The circular said that all officers and personnel as well as CAPF and any other force deployed for the Republic Day Parade security arrangements should be made aware and be prepared that they will be required for law and order arrangements immediately after the official celebration is over.

Delhi Traffic Police issues advisory for road movement ahead of Republic Day
- Delhi traffic police requested road users to accordingly plan their journies and avoid the route of parade and tableaux, from 4 am to 12:30 pm for their own convenience.

‘Thank you West Bengal’ tweets PM Modi as he shares video of his Kolkata visit

Gird Child Day: Leaders, eminent personalities laud contribution of daughters

Chhattisgarh police arrest man trying to sell tiger skin
- According to the FIR registered by the police, the estimated value of the tiger skin that was seized is ₹40 lakh in the international market.

Nitish Kumar wishes speedy recovery to Lalu, but won't call. Here's why

Eight CAs among 258 arrested since mid-November in GST fraud
- One CA was arrested on Saturday along with four businessmen in Jaipur for operating 25 fake firms to fraudulently avail and pass on input tax credit.

Congress slams Center over petrol, diesel price hike
- While addressing a press conference, Congress General Secretary Ajay Maken demanded an explanation of how exactly has the government spent ₹20 lakh crore that it "collected by multiple hikes in excise duty on both petrol and diesel" in last six years.
