Imphal: The Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) organised an awareness programme on reducing electronic waste (e-waste) today as part of the seven-day BRICS initiative on Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE). Aimed at promoting sustainable living and encouraging individual responsibility towards environmental protection, the function was held at the auditorium of DIPR, Nityaipat Chuthek Imphal.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Habibullah Khan, Environment Officer, Directorate of Environment and Climate Change highlighted the growing problem of electronic waste and its harmful impact on human health and the environment. He stated that with increasing dependence on electronic gadgets such as mobile phones, televisions and other accessories, the matter of e-waste has become a serious concern. Many electronic products have a short lifespan and are eventually discarded without proper disposal, leading to environmental pollution and the accumulation of hazardous substances.
Referring to the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016, he stressed that having regulations alone would not bring meaningful change unless people adopt responsible lifestyles. He cautioned that improper disposal and burning of plastic and electronic waste could release harmful substances, affecting human health and the environment. He also emphasised the need for designated collection points for e-waste in government departments and households, with discarded items handed over to authorised agencies such as CRED, recognised by the Manipur Pollution Control Board.
He further called for collective responsibility, stating that environmental protection must begin with individual action. Citing the changing condition of the Nambul River, he highlighted the importance of preserving natural resources and traditional ecological practices. He cautioned that failure to manage waste responsibly could turn the environment toxic for future generations.
Additional Director (P&D), T.Ramesh Singh firmly stated that these seven day event should be imbibed in every day’s life and also said that change should be done from oneself to make a better planet for all.
Joint Director, IPR, L. Ashok Kumar Singh, urged people to ensure the proper disposal of old electronic gadgets, including televisions and other electrical equipment. He stated that e-waste collected from households could also be handed over directly to CRED for appropriate management. He stressed that meaningful environmental change could only be achieved when individuals begin practising responsible waste disposal in their daily lives.
The seven-day BRICS campaign, involving Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, is being observed from November 1 to 7 under the theme of Lifestyle for Environment. Each day focuses on a specific sustainable action: adopting a healthy lifestyle, saving energy, conserving water, promoting sustainable food systems, eliminating single-use plastics, reducing electronic waste and managing general waste.
The programme called upon citizens to make small but meaningful lifestyle changes to protect the environment and ensure a greener and healthier planet for coming generations.
T.Ramesh Singh, Additional Director (P&D), Dr.Habibullah Khan, Environment Officer, Directorate of Environment and Climate Change, attended as the resource person, while Joint Director, IPR, L. Ashok Kumar Singh, along with other officials staffs of the department attended the function.
