Lions Clubs International deploys 300,000 Club Members to solve the challenges of e-waste in India
Mumbai : Lions Clubs International today announced that it has deployed close to 10,000 Clubs in the country which will involve close to 300,000 volunteers/members to resolve challenges of faced e-waste in the country. Used phones, batteries, laptops and other electronic items lying in our homes are part of what constitutes e-waste and are harmful if not disposed of properly owing to their hazardous material content. This is an emerging global environmental and public health issue as it further depletes our natural resources, adding to land, air and water pollution. We are exposed to serious health problems from these e-wastes ranging from skin diseases to headaches, gastritis & ulcers. Children have the most harmful impacts their bodies are still developing and they are the most vulnerable population. According to a Central Pollution Control Board report, in the financial year 2019-2020, India generated 1.04 lakh tonnes of e-waste from 21 types of electronic and electric e-waste. Globally, the Lions Club International is deploying close to 1.4 million volunteers in more than 200 countries who are dedicated to working to dispose off e-waste.
A P Singh, International Third Vice President, Lions Clubs International, said, “What’s concerning is that a majority of e-waste collection is done via the informal sector. While the government has certain checks and balances in place in this sector, it’s not their problem alone. It’s time for every individual to step up and take responsibility. We have been working to put into action communities, both locally and globally to resolve this issue. Across the world, it has mobilised and rendered services where needed in response to emerging situations. “Today land, air, and water pollution are the biggest challenges facing humanity. And e-waste is a clear and present threat to life forms and if left unaddressed might eventually threaten the continued existence of life on this earth,” A P Singh added.
Explains A P Singh, “Immediate action is the need of the hour. In developed nations e-waste management is considered the responsibility of every individual, and in India, too Lions Clubs are all set to create that awareness. Lions will also start to assist people with e-waste management and run a campaign in a couple of months. For this India to needs to take responsibility just as the swatch Bharat awareness campaign. The best way out is responsibly recycling or refurbishing this e-waste, and even donating these devices to underprivileged children. We sincerely believe in “Kindness matters”. These refurbished mobiles & laptops could be used to promote computer literacy and give almost free access to technology to those who need our support.”
Last year itself lions served more than 495 million people worldwide. Lions are also serving globally in helping prevent blindness, and aiding 23 million visually challenged persons; reducing the prevalence of diabetes & improving the quality of life of more than 27 million people; providing grants to 11 million children affected by childhood cancer, and such humanitarian work.
Elaborating on Lion Club’s India initiative, he said that the Lions Club have 150 eye hospitals where more than 500,000 surgeries are performed annually free of cost. Lions have also established 38 blood banks and 40 dialysis centres, 140 schools for children’s education, vocational training centres and environmental projects in India. There are 80 lion districts at present in India and each district average spending of Rs 7-8 crores per annum for community and social development of the country. To mobilise these funds, Lions pay from their own pockets as well as raise funds from donors.