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Information, Education & Communication (IEC) activities in schools, colleges, and industry, etc., are promoted to enhance the knowledge base on E-waste management using the PPP mode. Creation of database on best global practices and failure analyses for
development and deployment of efficacious E-waste management and disposal practices within the country be adopted.

Device ways and means to encourage beneficial reuse / recycling of E-waste, catalyzing business activities that use E-waste. Formulate and regulate occupational health safety norms for the E-waste recycling, now mainly confined to the informal sector. Review the trade policy and exim classification codes to plug the loop-holes often being misused for cross-border dumping of E-waste into India.

Insist on stringent enforcement against wanton infringement of Basel Convention and E-waste dumping by preferring incarceration over monetary penalties for demonstrating deterrent impact. Foster partnership with manufacturers and retailers for recycling services by creating an enabling environment so as to dispose E-waste scientifically at economic costs. Mandate sustained capacity building for industrial E-waste handling for policy-makers, managers, controllers and operators.

Enhance consumer awareness regarding the potential threat to public health and environment by electronic products, if not disposed properly. Enforce labeling of all computer monitors, television sets and other household / industrial electronic devices for declaration of hazardous material contents with a view to identifying environmental hazards and ensuring proper material management and E-waste disposal.

Announce incentives for growth of E-waste disposal agencies so that remediation of environmental damage, threats of irreversible loss, and lack of scientific knowledge do not any more pose hazards to human health and environment. Simultaneously, as a proactive step, municipal bodies must be involved in the disposal of E-waste at least before it becomes too late for their intervention, should large handling volumes necessitate it. Consider gradual introduction of enhanced producer responsibility into Indian process, practices and procedures so that preventive accountability gains preponderance over polluter immunity.

An ideal thing is: Innovate smart eco-friendly materials for chips and processors. That leads the future legacy of greener-high-tech revolution.

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Dr. Gursharan Singh Kainth started his career as Lecturer at Post Graduate Dept. of Economics, Government College, Gurdaspur, and later at Khalsa College; Amritsar, specializes in Quantitative & Development Economics. Has the distinction of serving Punjab Agricultural Univ, Ludhiana, for more than 2 decades and remained Director-Principal of Saint Soldier Management & Technical Institute, Jalandhar. Currently, heading GAD Institute of Development Studies, Amritsar, a self-financed research institute. Has been honoured with various awards, including Guru Draunacharya Samman, Vijay Rattan Award, etc.
Article posted on February 22, 2009.