TNPCB seeks space for e-waste management in industrial parks

17 Sep 2024 CW Team

The EWM Rules require state governments to designate or allocate space within industrial parks, estates, and clusters for the dismantling and recycling of e-waste. The document also mentioned that TNPCB is collaborating with the UK Deputy High Commission on e-waste inventory and gap analysis projects. Additionally, TNPCB has instructed all producers registered under the previous EWM Rules, 2016, to transition to the new EWM Rules, 2022. By March 11, 463 producers and four recyclers were reported to be registered under the new rules.

The TNPCB's annual report for the financial year 2022-2023 indicated that 35,153 tonnes of e-waste were collected, with 34,212 tonnes of materials recovered. On the other hand, researcher A. Shankar Prakash has alleged that planned obsolescence by manufacturers is a key factor contributing to the large quantities of e-waste. Planned obsolescence involves designing products with limited lifespans to encourage repeated purchases.

Shankar Prakash criticised the practice, noting that companies often reduce or cease production of spare parts, compelling consumers to buy new products and thereby generating more e-waste. He emphasised the need to hold companies accountable and to move towards more sustainable production and consumption. He referenced a study conducted in New Delhi, which found that 74 per cent of consumers replace their mobile phones due to high repair costs or functionality issues, attributing this to planned obsolescence strategies that make devices seem outdated. Prakash explained that such strategies include slowing down devices, using inferior materials, and designing products that are difficult to repair.

"Join industry leaders at RAHSTA Expo, India's premier platform for roads, highways and traffic infrastructure. Register now to explore innovations, network with experts and shape the future of mobility."

With electronic waste (e-waste) emerging as a significant environmental issue, the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) has reportedly requested the Industries and Housing and Urban Development departments to allocate land in industrial areas for managing e-waste. According to a government document, this request seeks land in both existing and upcoming industrial areas for the environmental management of e-waste, in line with the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022, which came into effect on April 1, 2023. However, it is understood that the relevant departments have not yet allocated the land. The EWM Rules require state governments to designate or allocate space within industrial parks, estates, and clusters for the dismantling and recycling of e-waste. The document also mentioned that TNPCB is collaborating with the UK Deputy High Commission on e-waste inventory and gap analysis projects. Additionally, TNPCB has instructed all producers registered under the previous EWM Rules, 2016, to transition to the new EWM Rules, 2022. By March 11, 463 producers and four recyclers were reported to be registered under the new rules. The TNPCB's annual report for the financial year 2022-2023 indicated that 35,153 tonnes of e-waste were collected, with 34,212 tonnes of materials recovered. On the other hand, researcher A. Shankar Prakash has alleged that planned obsolescence by manufacturers is a key factor contributing to the large quantities of e-waste. Planned obsolescence involves designing products with limited lifespans to encourage repeated purchases. Shankar Prakash criticised the practice, noting that companies often reduce or cease production of spare parts, compelling consumers to buy new products and thereby generating more e-waste. He emphasised the need to hold companies accountable and to move towards more sustainable production and consumption. He referenced a study conducted in New Delhi, which found that 74 per cent of consumers replace their mobile phones due to high repair costs or functionality issues, attributing this to planned obsolescence strategies that make devices seem outdated. Prakash explained that such strategies include slowing down devices, using inferior materials, and designing products that are difficult to repair.

Infrastructure Urban

06 Jul 2026

ABS Marine Sees CRISIL Credit Rating Upgrade

ABS Marine Services has secured an upgrade to its long term and short term credit ratings from CRISIL, reflecting improved profitability and revenue growth through long term contracts. CRISIL moved the long term rating from BBB+/Stable to A-/Stable and revised the short term rating from A2 to A2+. The action signals strengthened financial metrics and operational resilience. The company benefited from durable client relationships with firms such as ONGC and Schlumberger. The rating decision followed stronger cash flows and an enlarged bank loan facility, which increased from Rs 3,705 million (m..

Infrastructure Transport

06 Jul 2026

Project BRAHMANK Marks 16 Years Of Strategic Roads In Arunachal

Project BRAHMANK is marking 16 years of work to establish strategic road and bridge links across Arunachal Pradesh, maintaining and developing 811 kilometres of roads and nearly 86 bridges that range from small culverts to large steel and arch bridges. These transport links are described as critical for ensuring year-round movement of defence personnel, equipment and essential supplies while improving everyday travel for people in remote villages. The project balances national security requirements with regional development by focusing on reliable access in challenging terrain. Notable enginee..

Infrastructure Transport

06 Jul 2026

Longleng CSOs Give One Week Ultimatum Over Two-Lane Highway

Civil society organisations (CSOs) in Longleng district have demanded immediate restoration of the deteriorating Changtongya–Longleng two-lane road and sought a detailed status report on the stalled construction within one week. The demand followed a consultative meeting convened under the Phom Peoples' Council (PPC) to discuss welfare and development concerns. PPC president YB Angam Phom said prolonged non-maintenance had caused hardship to commuters and affected transportation, local commerce and the district's development. The meeting urged authorities to undertake immediate restoration a..