Toxics Link Profile

Toxics Link emerged from a need to establish a
mechanism for disseminating credible information about toxics in India, and for raising the level of the debate on these issues. The goal was to develop an information exchange and support organisation that would use research and advocacy in strengthening campaigns against toxic pollution, help push industries towards cleaner production, and link groups working on toxics and waste issues.

Over time, Toxics Link has developed capacities to interact with the grassroots through outreach amongst various civil society actors, as well as to play a role in influencing policy and have conversations with other stakeholders such as industry and technical experts. It is also central to networks connecting experts, civil society groups and individuals working nationally and internationally on issues related to toxics.

Currently, Toxics Link has a main office in New Delhi, and two nodal offices in Mumbai and Chennai. From these, it coordinates a nation-wide network of more than 400 individual and organisational members.

Toxics Link has unique expertise in the areas of hazardous, medical and municipal wastes, as well as in specific issues such as the international waste trade, and the emerging issues of pesticides and POPs.

The organisation aims at doing work that is demand-driven, and derives its work plan based on the priorities and needs of the network members that it serves. The development of the agenda and work plan, therefore, depends on the following three criteria:

§ An assessment of the demands of groups and activists, as well as of the key needs identified in national-level meetings of all stakeholders

§ An assessment of the coming requirements and of the situation in the country

§ Campaigns that utilise our own specific skills.