The Delhi High Court recently banned the import of toxic zinc and lead ash and their skimmings till further orders. The court was ruling on a petition seeking implementation of the Basel convention, 1989, which seeks to ban trade in hazardous wastes. India had signed the convention in 1992. The counsel for the petitioners argued that lead ash and zinc ash residue left behind after reprocessing, if left in a landfill might turn into acids and seep down into groundwater causing serious hazard to health and the environment.
We are a voice to you; you have been a support to us. Together we build journalism that is independent, credible and fearless. You can further help us by making a donation. This will mean a lot for our ability to bring you news, perspectives and analysis from the ground so that we can make change together.
Comments are moderated and will be published only after the site moderator’s approval. Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name. Selected comments may also be used in the ‘Letters’ section of the Down To Earth print edition.