After wooing global automobile giants and becoming a leading software exporter, Tamil Nadu is all set to pioneer an e-waste policy to encourage green information technologies.
“A comprehensive e-waste (electronic wastes) policy has been finalised and will soon be signed by Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi and other ministers concerned. It will be ready in two or three weeks”, State IT Minister Dr Poongothai told PTI.
The policy, she said, would address issues pertaining to public health and environment due to the impact of the ’ineffective and continuous disposal’ of e-waste.
“It will educate the public and officials concerned on how to avoid recycling electronic equipment more often,” she said, adding that it would also recommend changing only the component in an electronic item. Dr. Poongothai said the policy would have a single window facility to guide investors.
She said Tamil Nadu has registered an impressive jump in software exports even during the economic slowdown in 2008-09 at Rs 36,680.40 crore, a 29 per cent increase over last year.
Non-Governmental Organisation Toxics Link said a study carried out by them revealed that e-waste was a problem of staggering proportions in the state, which produced more than 21,810 tons in 2009.
Arun Senthil Ram, a top official who led the survey, said it was based on “market supply method”, in which five components like televisions, mobile phones, computers, washing machines and refrigerator were taken into account.
