EWASTE DISPOSAL OF POWER FIRMS UNDER NGT LENS

The National Green Tribunal has directed pollution monitoring agents to inspect premises of power distribution companies storing toxic e-waste. The NGT was hearing a plea that alleged that these were highly polluting.

The bench headed by NGT chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar asked the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) and the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) to inspect the areas and submit a report.

The directive comes in the wake of a plea filed by one Balbir Singh, who alleged that the power distribution companies, including the 66 KV grid sub-stations at I P Extension, Dilshad Garden, Sonia Vihar, Patparganj Industrial Area, Punjabi Bagh, Sriniwaspuri and Okhla and other places, were flouting e-waste rules and were contributing to the air pollution menace in the city.

“...DPCC and CPCB shall conduct a joint inspection at the places referred to in the application and report to the tribunal as to the handling of the hazardous waste and e-waste management and the manner in which the activity is being carried on ,” said the bench.

They issued notices to the Delhi government, BSES Rajdhani Power Ltd, BSES Yamuna Power Ltd, Tata Power Delhi Distribution Ltd, DPCC and others, and sought their responses by March 30.

Singh alleged that toxic e-waste such air conditioners, refrigerators and other electrical equipment, were being dumped in the companies’ premises. (WITH INPUTS FROM PTI)