A year on, CMC’s e-waste collection plan yet to kick off

Cuttack: A year after the Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC) proposed a plan to collect e-waste from households across the city, the initiative is yet to be implemented. Cuttack mayor Subhash Singh, admitting the delay in the project, said, "We understand the importance of e-waste management. We are in the process of finalising partnerships with authorised recyclers. The plan will be rolled out soon to ensure safe and efficient disposal of e-waste in the city."Last year, the CMC announced a plan to introduce a systematic e-waste collection system by collaborating with authorised recyclers. The proposal, which aimed to initiate e-waste collection by March last year, was approved under the supervision of the then CMC commissioner, Bijay Dash. Dash emphasised the urgency of implementing the plan to prevent environmental hazards caused by improper disposal of electronic waste.E-waste, which includes discarded electronic gadgets such as mobile phones, computers, laptops, printers and other electronic equipment, poses a serious environmental threat if not collected and disposed of properly."The delay is disappointing. We are left with no option but to dispose of our e-waste along with regular garbage, which is harmful to the environment," Pradeep Sahu, a resident of Bidanasi, said.Rashmi Mohapatra, another resident from Mangalabag, said, "With the increasing use of electronic devices in households, e-waste management should be prioritised. Without proper disposal, harmful chemicals from discarded gadgets could contaminate the soil and water."Environmental expert Asutosh Debata said, "Improper disposal of e-waste can lead to severe consequences, including soil and groundwater contamination due to the release of toxic substances." He emphasised the need for immediate implementation of the e-waste management plan to safeguard the environment and public health.