Mumbai is India's leading generator of e-waste, says the latest study by Toxics Link, an NGO dealing with toxic issues in India. The study Mumbai Choking on e-waste, released on February 23, says Mumbai generates 19,000 tonnes of waste from electronic and electrical equipment (WEEE) per year, and Delhi produces 11,000 tonnes annually. WEEE includes computers, televisions, washing machines and refrigerators.
But Mumbai does not have the proper infrastructure to handle this waste, which includes illegal imports from rich countries. "Clandestine imports from developed nations are difficult to track," says Ravi Agarwal, director of Toxics Link. "Recycled e-waste like computer printed circuit boards, is brought to Delhi through informal routes," says Priti Mahesh of Toxics Link.
All operations are carried out illegally, often causing health problems and pollution of the environment.
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