DIMAPUR, September 30 (MExN): An awareness programme on the theme “E-Waste and Air Quality: The Hidden Dangers” was organised by the District Administration, Dimapur, in collaboration with St John College and eCircle on September 30.
The event, held at the college's Chapel Hall, aimed to bring together faculty and students to tackle e-waste challenges under the broader framework of the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), a DIPR report stated.
The programme was chaired by Nungshilemmla, Head of the Department of History at St John College, while the welcome address was delivered by the college Principal, Dr Chubatila.
Delivering a keynote address, Imlijungla, EAC Dimapur, stated that burning e-waste releases some of the most harmful chemicals into the air we breathe. She emphasised that managing e-waste is as crucial as plantation drives and general waste management, as it releases harmful toxins when burnt, severely polluting the air.
The EAC encouraged students to collect and dispose of e-waste separately and responsibly. “Be a part of this drive to keep our air clean. Recognise the issue, be part of the solution,” she said, urging them to share their learnings to collectively move towards a greener and cleaner Dimapur.
Speaking on E-Waste and Air Quality Management, Sowete-u K. Lekro, Founder and Managing Partner of eCIRCLE said that India is the third-largest producer of e-waste in the world, with volumes growing by nearly 20% every year, yet only about 5% of it is recycled annually.
Lekro shared this data while underscoring the urgent need for better systems, awareness, and public participation in managing electronic waste.
She underscored the urgent need for better systems, awareness, and public participation in responsibility for e-waste management and to make use of e-waste management in different ways of recycling and urged the students to share what they have learned about this e-waste management.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Soumyajit Pramanick, HoD, Department of Physics, SJC and the invocation was given by Keshenle Seb, HoD, Political Science, SJC. Dev Ram, Department of Physics (Semester V), briefed the gathering on the upcoming e-waste collection drive initiated by the college.
