CLIMATE ISSUES FOR E-WASTE MANAGEMENT IN INDIA: THE UNSEEN CONSEQUENCES ON ECOSYSTEM

Due to the country’s fast industrialization, urbanization, and technological innovation, India is among the world's top manufacturers of electronic garbage. E-waste management has become a serious environmental and public health concern. An organized summary of the environmental and climate-related concerns related to India’s e-waste management is given in this study. Hazardous substances including lead, mercury, cadmium, BFRs etc. have been released into the environment as a result of the inappropriate disposal and uncontrolled treatment of e-waste, which has significantly contaminated land, water, and the atmosphere. These pollutants not only endanger human health but also contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, exacerbating climate change. In India, the informal sector plays a dominant role in e-waste collection and recycling, often using rudimentary methods such as open burning and acid leaching, which amplify environmental degradation. Despite regulatory frameworks like the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2016, the country faces significant challenges in effective implementation, including inadequate infrastructure, lack of public awareness, and weak enforcement mechanisms. This review highlights key environmental and climate risks posed by current e-waste practices, analyses the policy landscape, and identifies gaps in regulatory compliance. It also emphasizes the importance of transitioning to sustainable e-waste management solutions, such as extended producer responsibility (EPR), formalized recycling systems, and public-private partnerships. The paper underscores the urgent need for a coordinated multi-stakeholder approach to mitigate environmental harm, protect public health, and curb the adverse impacts on climate, while fostering sustainable economic growth through circular economy principles.