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high repair costs or functionality issues, attributing this to planned obsolescence strategies that make devices seem outdated.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.

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 Energy

23 Oct 2025

GAIL to Set Up Bengaluru CBG Plant Under New Concession Pact

GAIL (India) Limited has signed a 20-year concession agreement with the Bengaluru City Municipal Corporation (BBMP) to set up a compressed biogas (CBG) plant in the city. The project, expected to produce around 10 tonnes of CBG daily, will utilise municipal solid waste as feedstock, contributing to clean energy generation and efficient waste management. The CBG produced will be used in GAIL’s City Gas Distribution network to promote cleaner fuel usage. The initiative aligns with the government’s Sustainable Alternative Towards Affordable Transportation (SATAT) scheme and GAIL’s broader ..

Infrastructure Energy

23 Oct 2025

Uttarakhand HC Lifts 31-Year Ban on ONGC’s Contractual Hiring

The Uttarakhand High Court has lifted a 31-year-old ban on the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) from hiring contractual workers, a restriction imposed in 1993. The decision enables ONGC’s Dehradun establishment to employ personnel on a contractual basis to meet operational requirements. The long-standing prohibition had limited ONGC’s ability to fill vacancies in its technical and administrative departments, often leading to project delays and higher dependence on outsourcing. With the court’s directive, the public sector enterprise can now proceed with temporary recruitments whil..

Infrastructure Energy

23 Oct 2025

JSW Energy’s Utkal Unit Bags 400 MW, 25-Year Power Supply Deal

JSW Energy Limited announced that its subsidiary, JSW Energy (Utkal) Limited, has secured a Letter of Award (LoA) from Karnataka’s Power Company of Karnataka Limited (PCKL) for the supply of 400 MW of electricity for 25 years. The agreement is part of a competitive bidding process for long-term procurement of power to meet the state’s growing energy demand. The 400 MW capacity will be supplied from JSW Energy’s upcoming thermal power project in Odisha. This development strengthens JSW Energy’s presence in the southern market and aligns with its strategy to enhance long-term contracte..