United Nations representative pleased with India's handling of e-waste

New Delhi, Jan 21(ANI): A Special Rapporteur for the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) concluded a ten-day visit to the country on Thursday, where he was set the task of assessing the impact of toxic and dangerous waste.

Okechukwu Ibeanu's main mission was to examine the effects that the disposal of electronic waste (e-waste) and hazardous parts from ship-breaking has on individuals working in the sectors, or living in close proximity to such sites.

Addressing a press conference in the national capital, Ibeanu said that although health and safety was still an issue, the Indian Government's readiness to push through legislation to tackle the problem was seen as positive.

"I welcome the significant progress India has made in the area of the management and disposal of hazardous products and wastes. India has developed impressive regulatory frameworks to ensure the environmentally sound management of toxic and dangerous products and wastes," Ibeanu said.

India's booming economy produces mountains of toxic e-waste, but there are no laws as of yet to regulate its disposal.

Only three percent of the 400,000 metric tonnes of e-waste generated in India is recycled by authorised facilities, the remainder is either stored in warehouses or bought by small-scale businesses that dismantle the equipment and sell the parts for recycling or reuse. (ANI)