| The
hazardous wastes belong to a category of special wastes containing certain chemicals,
metals and pathogenic organisms which can cause damage to the environment even
at low concentration. If not properly managed for safe disposal, it can have frightening
environmental repercussions. Indiscriminate disposal of these wastes into the
environment without proper treatment could lead to pollution of river water, land
and groundwater resources.
Precautionary measure are required for handling
of hazardous wastes generated within the country from different sources as well
as though import other countries for recovery of useful materials. recognising
the need for proper management and handling of hazardous wastes, the regulations
in this regard under the Environment (Protection) Act 1986 have been notified
by the Ministry of environment & Forest, Govt, of India (1989). At the international
level, the concern for restricting transboundary movement of hazardous wastes
is reflected in the Basel Convention (1989) and subsequent follow-up activities.
In recent years, some important steps have been initiated for hazardous wastes
management. These relate to
- Harmonisation of domestic legislation
with the decision of the Basel Convention;
- Programme for setting up of
hazardous waste treatment and disposal facilities in industrial estates;
- Setting
up of a National Centre for cleaner Technology/Production with its sub-centres
in different States;
- Co-ordination with Customs & Port authorities
to ensure strict control over the movements of hazardous wastes across the international
borders and the prevention of illegal trafficking;
- Strengthening the capability
of Central and State Pollution Control Boards for regulation, management and handling
of hazardous wastes; and
- Setting up of a Sub-regional Training Centre
at New Delhi.
| In this issue of Parivesh, we have made
an attempt to highlight the various technical and administrative issues concerning
hazardous waste management. We hope, the information contained in this newsletter
will be useful to the readers. |
