At Nalanda Vidyapith, Students Learn the Dangers of Electronic Waste

Senior Correspondent.TOD.Balurghat 

As discarded electronic devices pose growing risks to the environment and human health, Nalanda Vidyapith High School in Balurghat organised a seminar and quiz competition on Wednesday to raise awareness among students about the hazards of electronic waste, or e-waste.The programme was organised under the initiative of the West Bengal Samagra Shiksha Mission and held on the school premises. It aimed to educate students about the harmful effects of improperly discarded electronic equipment and encourage them to spread awareness within their communities.

As part of the initiative, several students brought electronic waste from their homes, including old computers, laptops and mobile phone batteries. The discarded items were displayed at the school, providing students with a practical understanding of the types of waste generated by the growing use of electronic devices.The seminar focused on the environmental consequences of e-waste and the importance of its proper disposal. A quiz competition was also organised to reinforce students’ understanding of the issue and encourage greater participation in environmental awareness efforts.Soumit Das, the school’s headmaster, said the programme was intended not only to inform students about the dangers of electronic waste but also to help them communicate the message to the wider public.

He warned that discarding electronic equipment indiscriminately or handling it improperly could cause serious damage to the environment and human health. Toxic substances found in some electronic products, including lead and cadmium, can pose significant health risks if they enter the human body.The programme also emphasised the importance of avoiding the dismantling or unnecessary handling of old electronic devices at home. Instead, students were encouraged to ensure that unwanted equipment was disposed of through appropriate waste-management systems.

By combining a seminar, a display of discarded electronic products and an interactive quiz, the school sought to make students more aware of the consequences of electronic waste and the need for responsible disposal practices.The initiative underscored the role educational institutions can play in promoting environmental responsibility, with students serving as potential messengers of awareness in their homes and communities.