Residents of Seelampur are silently becoming collateral damage in the fight to deal with E-waste. India might be moving toward a larger change in the world but are we moving forward? Would the people feel the same if they see the Seelampur for themselves? The labyrinth of time has not only trapped the future of the place but also of the kids there. While working on the big agenda will we lose this place to E-Waste?
The awareness regarding e-waste and its consequences is something that has only been recently kindled in the public consciousness. The long overdue conversations regarding the environmental and human impacts of e-waste are finally happening. However, one aspect of e-waste that is relatively less well-known is the idea of 'urban mining.' But, before we get into the notion of urban mining, it's important to understand the repercussions of geological mining, often known as traditional mining.
The article involves details of health hazards involved in recycling of E-waste without any safety measures.
Rapid digitization in India has laid pathways for seamless operations and service delivery across the sectors of economy. It is undoubtedly solving many challenges in the 21st century for developing nations, such as India. But along with these progressive developments, the number of electronics discarded every year has risen exponentially. 70% of the E-Waste in India comes from computers; mobiles contribute 12%; and medical equipment contributes 8%. According to the Global E-Waste Monitor 2020, India on an average produces 3.2 million tonnes of E-Waste every year, and this number is only expected to increase.
Rising temperatures, melting glaciers, prolonged periods of floods and drought are just a few manifestations of the adverse effects of climate change. With the climate crisis getting worse, “Sustainability” as the chief ingredient in government schemes and projects and also in the corporate sector is providing a ray of hope.
The constant advancement in the field of science & technology has introduced us all to tons of electronic devices and appliances that have now become a necessity in the 21st century. However, as much of a boon, they have proved to be, the disposal and management of electronic equipment have become one of the biggest challenges of today.
E-waste is a growing concern & its management by recycling & reduction is critical. Government policies & laws are needed to make e-waste management a norm