Govt ready to amend rules on waste handling

New Delhi: Under attack from members, government today told the Lok Sabha that it was ready to amend the rules dealing with import of hazardous waste. “I have a completely open mind. If you have concerns we will review the rules,” Environment Minister Jayanthi Natarajan said during Question Hour.[caption id=“attachment_316253” align=“alignleft” width=“380” caption=“Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Environment and Forests, Jayanthi Natarajan. Image courtesy PIB”]  [/caption] The minister’s admission that imports of certain kind of waste was allowed for recycling drew sharp criticism from members who wanted a ban on such items. Natarajan’s assurances that the import of waste was in line with international norms set by the Basel Convention failed to cut any ice with the members. To a question, she categorically said India does not allow import of hazardous medical waste in the country. She said four cases of import of medical wastes emanating from Europe and the Americas and one case from Malaysia had been reported in the last three years. Natarajan said the Ministry of Environment and Forests has notified the Hazardous Wastes (Management, Handling and Transboundary Movement) Rules in 2008 for proper management and handling of hazardous wastes. “Import of clinical and related wastes is prohibited under these rules,” she said adding that the import of electrical and electronic assemblies destined for direct reuse is restricted and requires permission from the ministry. For effective implementation of provisions related to import and export under these rules, a co-ordination committee has been constituted by the Ministry which includes representatives from the ministries of finance, commerce and industry, and shipping, Central Pollution Control Board and select state pollution control boards. PTI