E-waste recycling facility inaugurated.

India's second electronic waste (e-waste) management facility is now closer to Bengaluru, which houses numerous information technology companies. Cerebra Integrated Technologies Ltd. (CITL) started crushing unused electronic gadgets (mobile phones, laptops, home appliances etc.,), for re-use in manufacturing, thus reducing the environmental hazards, recently at Narasapur Industrial Area in Kolar.

Large and Medium Industries and Infrastructure Minister R.V. Deshapande, who inaugurated the facility, stressed the need to focus on scientific management of e-waste. It has become one of the fastest growing waste streams in the world and a major problem. “IT sector has resulted in huge amount of e-waste being generated. The proliferation of mobiles is happening at very great speed due to the digital era, which is adding to the e-waste generation.”

Unsustainable and unscientific handling of e-waste has resulted in huge environmental hazards and it is a matter of concern, he said. “It is estimated that 2.5 million tonnes of e-waste is generated in India. This will be much more if the unorganised sector figures are also considered.”

Mr. Deshapande said Karntaka was placed number one in the country in industrial investment. The State government was committed to encourage investors to start industries here which will result in more employment generation.

THE HINDU