Threat of hazardous waste to mother nature

Environmental protection has become a major concern these days, thanks to the various hazardous activities carried out mainly by industries. In India, haphazard dumping of harmful and dangerous substances/wastes have become very common. This not only results in severe environmental damage but also effects the lives of several organisms and their supporting systems. Rapid growth of industries in India has resulted in the generation of an increasing volume of hazardous wastes. Both indigenously generated and imported from other countries for recycling or reprocessing, need scientific treatment and disposal. However, only a few secured landfill sites are available in the country for disposal of hazardous wastes in a environmentally sound manner. Illegal dumping of hazardous wastes by industries may cause severe environmental pollution., The Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) has promulgated Hazardous Wastes (Management and Handling) Rules, 1989, and amended the same in 2000 and 2003 for proper management and handling of hazardous wastes in the country. India had also ratified the Basel Convention on transboundary movement of hazardous wastes in 1992, which is a significant tool for controlling and monitoring of import and export of hazardous wastes and its proper management. However, various issues and the regulatory framework for hazardous waste management in the country should be viewed in proper perspective by regulatory agencies and industries to help the government develop an environmentally sound management system.