Institutionalizing E-Waste Governance: The Ministry of Coal’s Strategic Drive

The Ministry of Coal has initiated a proactive drive focused on the scientific management of electronic waste (e-waste) as a core component of 'Special Campaign 6.0'. This initiative marks a significant shift toward institutionalizing sustainable waste management practices within the public sector, specifically targeting the vast infrastructure of Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) and field offices under the Ministry’s jurisdiction. As India’s digital footprint expands, the accumulation of obsolete electronic hardware—ranging from legacy computing systems to industrial sensors—poses a severe environmental and health risk. E-waste contains hazardous substances like lead, mercury, and cadmium, which, if not disposed of through authorized channels, can leach into soil and groundwater. By mandating systematic segregation at the source, the Ministry is aligning its operational framework with the broader E-Waste (Management) Rules. This move is not merely an administrative housekeeping exercise; it represents a commitment to the principles of a circular economy, where the recovery of precious metals and rare earth elements from discarded electronics is prioritized over landfill disposal.