DELHI TO GET 1ST E-WASTE MGMT ‘ECO PARK’ IN A YEAR: LG OFFICE

In about a year, Delhi will have an e-waste management eco park, the first of its kind in the country, Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal’s office said on Wednesday.

The idea to build such a park was finalised in a meeting chaired by the LG on Wednesday, even as its location and model is yet to be decided. The meeting was attended by deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia, urban development minister Satyendar Jain and environment minister Gopal Rai, apart from officials of the state government, the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) and the civic bodies.

“Such a park is needed for scientific and environmentally safe dismantling, refurbishing, recycling and disposal of electronic waste in the city. It is estimated that Delhi generates about 200,000 tonnes of e-waste annually that comprises electrical appliances, electronic items, computers, accessories and mobile phones, among others. This waste is potentially hazardous to not only the environment but also to human health,” the L-G’S office said in a statement issued after the meeting.

Baijal directed officials to devise a system at the earliest for the sustainable disposal of e-waste. “Setting up of the e-waste management park, which will be a first of its kind in the country, will serve this purpose and also provide an example for the rest of the country... it was decided that the park will be set up in a timebound manner with various committees looking into identification of suitable land in conjunction with the DDA,” the L-G’S office said.

Baijal directed chief secretary Vijay Dev to constitute a steering committee to select a consultant to prepare a detailed project report and to oversee the process till the park is operational.