After years of damage, inaction now Himachal Green dept in a mood to preach

Shimla : It had come to the notice of the Government of Himachal Pradesh that the current e-waste disposal practices do not align with the “E-Waste Management Rules,2016” notified by the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, as well as the guidelines issued by the Himachal Pradesh State Pollution Control Board (HPSPCB).

This highlighted, the urgent need for a structured process to ensure compliance with these rules and mitigate the environmental risks posed by the unscientific disposal of e-waste.

Existing Government regulations, such as the “HP Financial Rules, 2009” and
provisions in the Office Manual, lacked specific provisions for the scientific disposal of
e-waste. These regulations primarily relied on auction procedures that did not guarantee adherence to the “E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2016” and associated management standards.
After due consideration of this issue, the Himachal Pradesh,
Department of Environment, Science, Technology & Climate Change, issued an Office Memorandum last month It mandates all e-waste generated by Government Departments, Boards, Corporations, and Commissions must be disposed of in accordance with the manual.

As per this memorandum E-waste must be channelized through authorized
collection centers, dealers of producers, dismantlers, recyclers, or designated take back service providers of producers to authorized dismantlers or recyclers.

Only authorized e-waste collection centers, dealers of producers, dismantlers, or recyclers registered with the “HP State Pollution Control Board” or the “Central Pollution Control Board” will be permitted to participate in the auction process for e-waste.

The Department has appealed to all Government Departments,
Boards, Corporations, Commissions, NGOs, and the citizens of Himachal Pradesh to
actively participate in keeping the environment clean and free from the harmful effects of e-waste. E-waste must be handed over only to authorized recycling centers.

E-waste contains toxic components that can harm the environment and public
health if not managed properly. To minimize these risks, it is crucial to dispose of e-waste responsibly by following established guidelines and recycling mechanisms.

The Department has everyone to Avoid dumping e-waste in open spaces or with general waste. Hand over e-waste only to authorized recycling centers.
Spread awareness about the importance of e-waste management within their
communities.
Ensure all Government Departments, Boards, Corporations, and Commissions
strictly adhere to the instructions outlined.