The handling of hazardous materials, including nuclear waste, poses significant environmental and health risks. To address these challenges, international treaties and conventions aim to establish legal frameworks for safe management, transportation, and disposal. Here is a detailed account of the major treaties and conventions:
1. Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal (1989)
Overview:
- Adopted to regulate the transboundary movement and disposal of hazardous wastes.
- Prevents the dumping of hazardous waste in developing countries.
- Promotes environmentally sound management (ESM) of hazardous and other wastes.
Key Provisions:
- Requires prior informed consent (PIC) for the transboundary movement of hazardous waste.
- Establishes mechanisms for identifying and classifying hazardous waste.
Signatories:
- 188 parties, including most UN member states.
- India's Status: India is a signatory and has implemented its provisions under the Hazardous Waste Management Rules.
2. Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (2001)
Overview:
- Aims to eliminate or restrict the production and use of persistent organic pollutants (POPs).
- Addresses chemicals that persist in the environment, bioaccumulate, and pose risks to human health.
Key Provisions:
- Phases out dangerous POPs like DDT, PCBs, and dioxins.
- Promotes safer alternatives and environmentally sound waste management.
Signatories:
- 186 parties.
- India's Status: India is a party to the convention and has taken steps to eliminate POPs.
3. Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade (1998)
Overview:
- Promotes shared responsibilities in the import and export of hazardous chemicals.
- Ensures that countries receive information necessary for safe handling.
Key Provisions:
- Requires exporting countries to inform and obtain consent from importing countries.
- Maintains a list of chemicals subject to the PIC procedure.
Signatories:
- 165 parties.
- India's Status: India is a signatory and has aligned its chemical management policies with the convention.
4. Minamata Convention on Mercury (2013)
Overview:
- Addresses the adverse effects of mercury on human health and the environment.
- Seeks to reduce mercury emissions and releases from industrial activities.
Key Provisions:
- Prohibits the opening of new mercury mines.
- Phases out mercury-containing products like thermometers and batteries.
Signatories:
- 143 parties.
- India's Status: India ratified the convention in 2018, committing to reduce mercury use.
5. Joint Convention on the Safety of Spent Fuel Management and on the Safety of Radioactive Waste Management (1997)
Overview:
- Focuses on the safety of managing spent nuclear fuel and radioactive waste.
- Promotes international cooperation and high standards of safety.
Key Provisions:
- Obligates parties to maintain facilities for managing spent nuclear fuel safely.
- Provides a framework for minimizing radiation exposure to humans and the environment.
Signatories:
- 88 parties.
- India's Status: India is not a party to this convention.
6. Convention on Nuclear Safety (1994)
Overview:
- Ensures the safety of civilian nuclear power plants.
- Encourages the adoption of a safety culture and strong regulatory frameworks.
Key Provisions:
- Periodic peer reviews of nuclear safety practices.
- Transparent communication of safety standards.
Signatories:
- 90 parties.
- India's Status: India is a signatory and adheres to its safety commitments.
7. Bamako Convention (1991)
Overview:
- A regional treaty prohibiting the import of hazardous waste into Africa.
- Created as a response to the perceived shortcomings of the Basel Convention.
Key Provisions:
- Total ban on the import of hazardous waste into African nations.
- Encourages intra-African cooperation on waste management.
Signatories:
- 25 African nations.
- India's Status: Not applicable as it is a regional treaty.
8. Vienna Convention on Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage (1963)
Overview:
- Establishes a framework for liability and compensation in case of nuclear accidents.
- Imposes strict liability on nuclear operators for damages caused by their facilities.
Key Provisions:
- Limits the liability of operators to ensure availability of funds for compensation.
- Covers transboundary damage resulting from nuclear incidents.
Signatories:
- 40 parties.
- India's Status: India is not a party to this convention but has enacted its own Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act (2010).
9. Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) (1968)
Overview:
- Prevents the spread of nuclear weapons and promotes peaceful use of nuclear energy.
- Encourages disarmament and limits the number of nuclear-armed states.
Key Provisions:
- Divides nations into nuclear-weapon states and non-nuclear-weapon states.
- Promotes the sharing of nuclear technology for peaceful purposes.
Signatories:
- 191 parties.
- India's Status: India is not a signatory, citing concerns over discriminatory provisions.
10. Convention on Assistance in the Case of a Nuclear Accident or Radiological Emergency (1986)
Overview:
- Aims to strengthen international cooperation in responding to nuclear accidents.
- Facilitates assistance between countries during emergencies.
Key Provisions:
- Encourages nations to request and provide assistance promptly.
- Provides a framework for sharing information and expertise.
Signatories:
- 127 parties.
- India's Status: India is a signatory.
11. Paris Agreement on Climate Change (2015) (Relevance to Hazardous Waste)
Overview:
- While primarily focused on climate change, the agreement indirectly promotes waste reduction.
- Encourages nations to adopt sustainable industrial practices.
Signatories:
- 196 parties.
- India's Status: India is a party to the agreement and committed to reducing emissions.
