New Centre at IIT-BHU to Help in E-Waste Management
Varanasi: The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT-BHU) has taken a significant step towards addressing the growing problem of electronic waste (e-waste) with the inauguration of the Vinod Ghai E-Waste Management and Recycling Centre. This initiative was officially launched by Professor Amit Patra, the director of IIT-BHU, via video conferencing on January 1, 2026.
Importance of the New Centre
In his address, Professor Patra emphasized the importance of the centre in promoting innovation-based solutions for sustainable development and environmental protection. He stated that the centre is a vital initiative aimed at tackling the challenges posed by e-waste management.
Academic and Technical Relevance
Professor N K Mukhopadhyay, the Dean of Faculty Affairs, highlighted the centre’s relevance from academic, technical, and social perspectives. He noted that it supports sustainable development, the circular economy, and national self-reliance in critical materials.
Addressing the E-Waste Challenge
The head of the Department of Metallurgical Engineering pointed out the urgent need for indigenous, science-based efforts to combat the increasing problem of e-waste. He stressed the crucial role that higher educational institutions play in encouraging interdisciplinary research and strengthening collaboration between academia and industry.
Philanthropic Support
The establishment of the centre was made possible through the generous philanthropic support of Vinod Ghai, an alumnus of the metallurgical engineering department and a distinguished metallurgical engineer. After completing his undergraduate and postgraduate education at IT-BHU, Ghai built a successful career in Germany and Canada, serving as a resource recovery manager at the Steel Company of Canada (Stelco).
Ghai’s contribution of Rs 3.8 crore for the centre and related endowment initiatives reflects his deep attachment to his alma mater and his vision to strengthen indigenous capabilities in metallurgy and sustainable technologies.
Objectives of the Centre
Professor Kamlesh K Singh, the principal investigator of the centre, outlined its primary objectives. The centre aims to:
- Facilitate innovation in recycling and sustainable management of electronic waste.
- Develop effective e-waste collection and recycling systems.
- Conduct advanced research on the recovery of critical metals to reduce import dependence.
- Utilize cloud-based Internet of Things (IoT) technologies.
- Create skilled human resources for modern recycling methods.
Promoting Eco-Friendly Solutions
The centre will feature a state-of-the-art incubator facility that promotes eco-friendly solutions and boosts indigenization under the ‘Make in India’ initiative. It aims to create new opportunities for livelihood and entrepreneurship in the field of e-waste management and recycling.
Conclusion
The establishment of the Vinod Ghai E-Waste Management and Recycling Centre at IIT-BHU marks a significant advancement in addressing the pressing issue of e-waste. By focusing on innovation, sustainability, and collaboration, the centre is poised to make a meaningful impact on environmental protection and resource recovery in India.
Note: The information presented in this article is based on the latest updates from IIT-BHU and reflects the ongoing efforts to tackle e-waste management challenges in India.
