Jammu: In continuation to the initiatives launched to create doorstep awareness on E-waste across 20 districts of J&K, Chairperson J&K Pollution Control Committee, Dr. Neelu Gera, today virtually flagged off On-Wheels E-waste Collection Centre (E-waste Mobile Collection Van).
The event was attended by Member Secretary, J&K Pollution Control Committee, K. Ramesh Kumar and a doorstep awareness drive in collaboration with PRO Saahas Zero Waste and their partners, Xiaomi India, LG India, EPSON India, Namo E-waste Management, Red FM, MIER College of Education and ELFA International.
The event was launched to create awareness amongst consumers regarding E-waste, which is one of the most serious and fast emerging environmental issues. The awareness cum collection campaign shall be carried out in various districts of Jammu and Kashmir in collaboration with Saahas Zero Waste under Producer Responsibility till January, 2023.
Dr. Neelu Gera, Chairperson, JKPCC appreciated the innovative initiative by the officials of JKPCC, PRO Saahas Zero Waste and its partners to conduct the awareness drive in J&K. She also highlighted that the lack of proper collection mechanism and unscientific disposal is a major cause of environmental and health hazards triggered by e-waste & plastic waste.
She further added that effective collection mechanism established by PROs and working in coordination with concerned local bodies in various districts can play a vital role in e-waste management.
- Ramesh Kumar, Member Secretary, J&K Pollution Control Committee, briefed that electronics and electrical items such as computers, televisions, mobile phones etc. are being discarded swiftly post their life completion and contribute to a huge volume of e-waste.
Sat Paul, Regional Director, Pollution Control Committee, appealed to consumers to play a responsible role in ensuring safe collection and disposal of all types of electronic waste.
Commenting on the launch of the drive, Murali Krishnan B, President, Xiaomi India, informed, “As India’s No 1 Smartphone and Smart TV brand, the focus of Xiaomi is not only on responsible recycling, but also educating, spreading awareness towards e-waste management amongst consumers.”
He further appreciated the JKPCC’s initiative of ‘Mass awareness and launch of On Wheels E-waste Collection Centre’ is an important step towards building a sustainable and future-ready tomorrow.
He expressed immense pride in being a part of this e-waste drive in partnership with Saahas Zero waste.
The Representative from LG Electronics pointed out that the company is committed to sustainable practices and referred to the launching of multiple initiatives including a digital campaign #UPGRADERESPONSIBLY in year 2021 towards creating awareness for responsible disposal of E waste. The Company congratulated JKPCC and Saahas Zero Waste on the launch of E-waste awareness drive across J&K.
The Representatives from Epson reiterated their commitment to ensure sustainability of the environment by focussing on improving the environmental performance of their products. He further added that Epson India is facilitating the creation of a system for development and implementation of a responsible e-waste management system through PROs, by conducting awareness campaigns and collection programs with consumers, bulk Consumers, Waste Pickers and Waste Aggregators etc. and congratulated the JKPCC and Saahas Zero Waste on the launch of E-waste awareness drive across J&K.
