Programme for proper disposal of e-waste in Bhubaneswar

The 'Clean E-Bhubaneswar' programme undertaken with the support of International Finance Corporation (IFC) and European Union has led to proper disposal of huge e-waste in Bhubaneswar, officials said.

Bhubaneswar generates approximately 2,700 tonne of electronic waste annually, coming primarily from households and bulk consumers like institutions, said an official.

Odisha chief secretary Aditya Prasad Padhi, who attended a workshop here Tuesday organised by Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation said the 'Clean E-Bhubaneswar' programme has enabled the formal sector to collect and properly dispose of several tonne of e-waste in a short span of time.

The work undertaken at the grass-roots level has created an ecosystem and much-needed awareness among various stakeholders, Padhi said.

"I am grateful to the European Union for its support and to IFC for the continued collaboration for the development of the state," said Padhi.

The project being implemented by IFC under IFCEU Eco-Cities Programme, establishes a first-of-its-kind collaboration between local government entities, including the BMC, Orissa State Pollution Control Board, IT Department and the private sector to address Bhubaneswars e-waste management challenge by building awareness and developing a sustainable model for e-waste management in the city.

Jun Zhang, IFC Country Head for India said "We will work diligently with the government of Bhubaneswar to tackle e-waste management and other urban challenges using the EU-supported Eco-Cities program as a practical platform.

Tomasz Kozlowski, Ambassador of the European Union to India, said it is impressive to see the way Bhubaneswar has progressed on wide gamut of activities e-waste, e-vehicles, rooftop solar and cemented itself as a leading smart city in India.

"European Unions approach to waste management is being wise with waste. I hope European Union and India can continue to build on shared experiences and best practices to promote innovative mechanisms in tackling e-waste management by promoting public-private partnerships," said Kozlowski.