KATHMANDU, Nov 10: Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA) is working on final draft of ‘Regulatory Framework on e-Waste Management’ based on the draft submitted by its consultant.
NTA had hired the consultant to prepare draft of regulatory framework for proper management of e-Waste. It took the initiative specifically to improve quality of environment, protect human health and to utilize natural resources cautiously and logically.
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Min Prasad Aryal, spokesperson of NTA, said that the final draft submitted by the consultant is under study. “It will be finalized within this fiscal year after needful consultation with stakeholders,” he added.
The objective of the regulation is to contribute to sustainable production and consumption by the prevention of Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) through reuse, recycling and other forms of recovery of such waste to reduce disposal of such waste.
“We don’t have specific e-Waste guideline at a time when not only use of ICT products as well as electrical appliances in increasing at households. Data of Department of Customs (Doc) shows that e-Waste is increasing drastically,” he said. “We, at NTA, feel that there is a need to formulate policy, strategy and regulatory framework for e-Waste management in Nepal.”
Though the country already has Environmental Protection Act 1997, it does not have specific guidelines on e-Waste management. “We took the initiative to make framework for e-Waste management as the existing Act do not have any provision regarding management of electronic waste,” Aryal said.
Data of DoC shows use of EEE like watches, white goods, telephone, mobile phones, ATM cards, computers, floppy disc, and radio cassette medical and surgical equipment, among others, is growing rapidly.
The draft regulatory framework has recommended formulating necessary regulation and directive relating to environmental protection in connection to e-Waste management, launching awareness program on e-Waste management and its hazards, making registration and authorization mechanism, establishing fund for e-Waste management, and formulating a taskforce at the national level.
Similarly, it has suggested that the government prohibit import of e-waste or old electronic equipment, and strengthen, monitor and manage imported EEE. For this, it has suggested that the government arrange proper mechanism for collection, transportation, recycling and disposal of e-Waste.
“Once the framework is finalized, this will improve the overall environmental performance of all stakeholders associated in the chain of EEE, from producers to distributors -- consumers- collectors and recyclers or disposers. This will help in protecting human health and the environment,” said Aryal.
The draft regulatory framework has been made based on the study of practices in countries like India, China, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Thailand, European Union, USA, Kenya, Cambodia, Korea and Japan, among others.
