Students urged to lead change in safe e-waste disposal at St. John College

DIMAPUR — An awareness programme under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) was organised by the district administration, Dimapur, in collaboration with St. John College and eCircle, at Chapel Hall, St. John College, Dimapur, on Tuesday.

According to a DIPR report, the programme was held on the theme “E-Waste and air quality: the hidden dangers” and sought to bring together faculty and students to tackle e-waste challenges under the broader NCAP framework.

Delivering the keynote address, Imlijungla, EAC Dimapur, stressed the urgent need for public awareness and collective action in managing electronic waste to protect air quality and public health. She stated that e-waste management is critical as harmful chemicals are released into the air when e-waste is burnt.

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She emphasised that along with plantation programmes and improved waste management, e-waste is equally important. She pointed out that when burnt, e-waste releases harmful toxins that severely pollute the air. She encouraged students to collect and dispose of e-waste separately and responsibly.

Sowete-u K Lekro, founder and managing partner of eCircle, shared practical insights on safe disposal methods and sustainable practices. She highlighted that India is the third-largest producer of e-waste in the world, after China and the United States, with volumes increasing by nearly 20% every year.

She said only 5% of the total e-waste generated is recycled annually. She underscored the urgent need for better systems, awareness, and public participation in responsibility for e-waste management, to make use of different recycling methods, and urged students to share what they had learned about e-waste management.