NGT issues notice to Centre over disposal of CFL lamps

The National Green Tribunal today issued a notice to the Centre on a plea relating to unregulated and unrestricted disposal of Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFL), which is leading to contamination of environment and human health.
A bench, headed by Justice P Jyothimani, sought responses from the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF),Central Pollution Control Board and Bureau of Indian Standards and posted the matter for next hearing on October 30.
"We are satisfied about the issue raised in this case which relates to the environmental issue at large... Issue notice to the respondents..." the bench said.
The Tribunal was hearing a plea by NGO Toxic Links seeking directions to frame standards of mercury content in CFLs in accordance with international standards.

"Direct the Ministry of Environment and Forest to ensure safe disposal of mercury bearing waste in Compact Florescent Lights in accordance with the concept of the Extended Producers Responsibility and the Khwaja Committee Report to protect the environment and health from any adverse impact, the plea said.
The plea, filed through advocate Rahul Choudhary, also sought a direction to MoEF to set up mechanism for registration and inventorisation of CFLs' production and imports.
According to the petition, mercury is a hazardous substance and an environment pollutant as per the definitions provided in the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
The petition has alleged that by not following the strict standards for disposal of mercury in CFLs, it is increasing both environmental pollution and exposing public health to a very hazardous toxic, thus violating Article 48-A and 47 of the Constitution.