In view of the alarming rise of e-waste burden in the city, the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC), in association with its implementation partners SDRC and Sofies Sustainability leaders Pvt ltd, would instal two e-waste sculptures in the city soon to create awareness among citizens.
Notably, rock gardens, made out of various wastes, have already become major tourist attractions at many cities in the country. As per the Waste Management Rules, 2016, the e-wastes should be scientifically stored and dismantled as their unscientific management leads to pollution.
Two sculptures would be placed at two major locations as part of a Clean E-Bhubaneswar Project under the IFC-EU Eco-Cities Programme. The project is a joint initiative of the International Finance Corporation-European Union Eco Cities Programme and the BMC.
One sculpture would be installed with a theme “Hand pointing to the ground”, giving a message that all need to reconnect with Mother Earth by being responsible in scientific management of electronic waste (e-waste) and recycling it in a sustainable manner.
A second sculpture is named “Raavan” with a message that all need to be responsible in management of e-waste by following the principles of reduction, reuse, repair and recycle. Naming of the sculpture by the mythological character explains that if the issue is ignored, one day e-waste could also becomes a demon like Raavan and harm to the human race.
Director of city-based Siddha Development Research and Consulting (SDRC) Narasingh Panigrahi said, “As per the report prepared by the United Nations University, International Telecommunication Union and International Solid Waste Association, discarded equipments like phones, laptops, fridges, sensors, and TVs contain substances pose considerable environmental and health risks, especially if treated inadequately. Most e-wastes are not properly documented and not treated through appropriate recycling chains and methods.”
Panigrahi informed that the “Hand pointing to the ground” sculpture, made by city-based artist Veejayant Dash, would be installed at Power House Square and the second titled “Raavan”, for which the drawings are already finalised, would be placed at Jayadev Vihar Square.