Sri Vijaya Puram, June 28: The Andaman and Nicobar Pollution Control Committee (ANPCC) organized an awareness programme on the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022 in the Conference Hall of Department of S&T, Dollygunj, for Commercial Establishments, Bulk Consumers, Small Generators and Retailers. The programme was attended by proprietors of electrical and electronic shops, retailers, repair, service centres and hoteliers. The participants were sensitized on their responsibilities under the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022, including proper segregation, safe storage, documentation and disposal of e-waste only through authorized entities.
The programme was conducted with the objective of creating awareness on the statutory provisions of the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022, and promoting environmentally sound management of electrical and electronic waste in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
During the programme, officials of ANPCC highlighted the responsibilities of various stakeholders, particularly the obligations of bulk consumers under Rule 8 of the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022. Participants were informed that e-waste must be channelised only through registered producers, refurbishers or recyclers, and proper records of generation, storage, transportation and disposal must be maintained.
Special emphasis was laid on the prevailing scenario in the Islands, where e-waste is required to be transported to authorised facilities on the mainland in accordance with the prescribed transportation procedures, including the manifest system and other regulatory requirements, available at https://dstpcc.andamannicobar.gov.in.
The programme also covered Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), safe storage practices, documentation requirements, transportation procedures, environmental and health risks associated with improper disposal of e-waste, and best practices for government offices, educational institutions and commercial establishments.
Participants actively interacted with the officials and sought clarifications on practical aspects of e-waste management, transportation, inventory maintenance and compliance with the Rules.
ANPCC also informed the participants that, in compliance with the directions of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and the Hon’ble National Green Tribunal (NGT), an e-waste inventorisation exercise is being undertaken across the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. A Online Forms developed by an internship student of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Institute of Technology (DBRAIT) for the inventorisation of e-waste was demonstrated during the programme. The form will shortly be circulated to waste generators and bulk consumers for collection of information on e-waste generation. Stakeholders have been requested to furnish the required details within the stipulated time to facilitate the preparation of a comprehensive e-waste inventory for the Union Territory.
ANPCC encouraged all stakeholders to adopt environmentally sound e-waste management practices by ensuring segregation, safe storage, proper documentation and disposal of e-waste only through authorised channels, thereby contributing to environmental protection and sustainable resource management in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.