Ranchi, June 8: The Jharkhand High Court has adopted a strict stance regarding the scientific and safe disposal of electronic waste (e-waste) in the state. During a hearing on a public interest petition, the court demanded responses from the state government and the Jharkhand State Pollution Control Board concerning the lack of a solid Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for e-waste management.
The bench, led by Chief Justice M.S. Sonak and Justice Rajesh Kumar, expressed concerns over the state’s waste management system. The court officially inquired whether any guidelines or SOPs have been established for the scientific disposal of e-waste in Jharkhand. If not, the court sought explanations for the delay.
The bench instructed the state government and the pollution control board to present a detailed account on this sensitive issue. The public interest petition was filed by Shashi Sagar Verma.
During the court proceedings, the petitioner’s lawyer, Shailesh Poddar, argued that the central government has already notified guidelines and regulations for the safe management and disposal of e-waste. According to these national regulations, all states are required to develop clear SOPs for the collection, segregation, safe transport, and recycling of e-waste. However, no concrete steps have been taken in Jharkhand in this regard.
The petition highlighted the absence of a separate and effective system for managing e-waste in Jharkhand. Consequently, hazardous waste from computers, mobile phones, televisions, and other electronic devices is being mixed directly with regular household and municipal solid waste.
The lawyer informed the court that the volume of e-waste is increasing at a record pace due to rapid digitalization in the state. The lack of scientific recycling is causing toxic elements to contaminate soil and groundwater. This not only heightens the risk of environmental pollution but also poses severe health threats to humans and livestock.
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