New Delhi: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) to file a new status report on the generation and treatment of electronic waste across all Indian states and Union Territories. This action follows complaints regarding non-compliance with the E-Waste (Management) Rules by various states.

The directive was issued by the NGT’s Principal Bench, led by Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava, during a hearing of a plea that raised concerns about the lack of enforcement of the Tribunal's previous orders for the scientific management of e-waste. The plea highlighted that many states have either not fully implemented or only partially complied with the rules.

The CPCB had submitted a report on August 30, detailing the measures taken by states and Union Territories in response to NGT’s earlier instructions. However, the Tribunal observed that the report lacked details about specific actions taken against non-compliant states and did not include information about the progress toward achieving the e-waste management targets for the 2023-2024 period.

The NGT directed the CPCB to submit a comprehensive report within six weeks, detailing the amount of e-waste generated, the existing treatment facilities, and any gaps in compliance across states and Union Territories. Additionally, the Tribunal asked for information on steps the CPCB plans to take against entities failing to adhere to the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022, which came into effect on April 1, 2023.

The Tribunal, which also includes Judicial Member Justice Sudhir Agarwal and Expert Member A. Senthil Vel, emphasized the importance of stricter enforcement of e-waste management protocols. The Bench highlighted the need for random inspections by the CPCB, alongside awareness programs and training initiatives, to ensure compliance with the regulations. The CPCB was also instructed to push for reducing hazardous substances in the manufacturing of electrical and electronic equipment.

The next hearing on this matter has been scheduled for December 12, 2024, where the Tribunal will review the fresh report from the CPCB and assess further actions needed to strengthen e-waste management across the country.