Sri Vijaya Puram, May 6: The Andaman and Nicobar Pollution Control Committee (ANPCC) has issued a public advisory directing strict compliance with the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022, for all residents, institutions, government departments, commercial establishments, and firms dealing with electronic waste across the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
The advisory, issued in the interest of environmental protection and sustainable waste management, stated that all electronic waste generated or managed within premises in the islands must be handled strictly in accordance with the rules notified by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), Government of India.
Authorities emphasized that all e-waste generated in the islands must be collected and channelised only through approved and authorised agencies. The waste must be transported to authorised treatment, storage, and disposal facilities located anywhere in India. The ANPCC clarified that the movement of e-waste must strictly follow the prescribed manifest system to ensure transparency and traceability during transportation.
The committee further stated that obtaining a prior No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the ANPCC is mandatory for inter-State transportation of e-waste. Officials said the provision has been made to regulate the movement of electronic waste and prevent illegal dumping or unauthorised processing.
Bulk consumers, institutions, and commercial establishments have also been instructed to engage only with Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)-compliant registered recyclers and authorised collection agencies approved by the MoEF&CC and the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The advisory clearly warned against dealing with unregistered or unauthorised handlers and service providers.
In a strong warning against informal recycling activities, the ANPCC stated that informal collection, dismantling, refurbishing, or recycling of e-waste is strictly prohibited under environmental laws. Violators could face legal action under applicable provisions.
The advisory also reiterated that all manufacturers, producers, refurbishers, and recyclers involved in electronic waste management are required to register on the CPCB’s EPR portal and comply with assigned annual targets for e-waste collection and environmentally sound recycling practices.
Highlighting the environmental risks posed by improper disposal of electronic waste, the committee noted that unsafe handling of discarded electronic items can lead to soil contamination, air pollution, and damage to the fragile aquatic ecosystems of the islands. Authorities stressed that toxic substances released from electronic waste can adversely impact both public health and biodiversity if not scientifically managed.
The ANPCC has appealed to the general public to actively participate in monitoring illegal activities related to e-waste handling and disposal. Residents have been encouraged to report any incidents of illegal collection, processing, or dumping of electronic waste to the committee through its official email address for appropriate action.
Officials said the initiative aims to strengthen environmental safeguards in the islands and promote responsible disposal and recycling practices amid increasing use of electronic devices and rising generation of electronic waste.
The advisory comes as part of broader efforts to ensure environmentally sound waste management practices in the ecologically sensitive Andaman and Nicobar Islands, where improper disposal of hazardous materials can have long-term consequences on natural resources and marine ecosystems.
