Shri Bhupender Yadav emphasizes the importance of a circular economy and calls for industry cooperation at the Circular Economy Conference.
Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Shri Bhupender Yadav addressed the Circular Economy Conference organized by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) in New Delhi. He highlighted India’s efforts to advance the circular economy under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. The Minister pointed out that the Union Government has strengthened the legal framework governing waste management by introducing sector-specific rules for nine waste streams, including plastic waste, battery waste, e-waste, and more.
Shri Yadav emphasized the role of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) in managing products at the end of their life. He stated that over 4,880 recyclers are registered under EPR frameworks, with nearly 499.60 lakh metric tonnes of waste processed across regulated waste streams.
The Minister also discussed industry concerns regarding digital compliance, EPR market operations, and transaction timelines. He invited stakeholders to share practical problems and suggestions as the Government works on a market-based approach to address these issues.
Shri Yadav emphasized that regulation alone cannot create a circular economy. He highlighted the importance of the Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE) initiative, which calls for mindful resource utilization instead of destructive consumption. The Minister also discussed plastic waste management, solid waste management rules, and the need for technology adoption, capacity building, online monitoring, stronger accountability, financial sustainability, four-stream segregation of solid waste, and public participation.
The Minister concluded by emphasizing effective implementation of Solid Waste Management (SWM) Rules to control legacy waste and strengthen urban systems. He called for coordinated efforts by the government, industry, and urban local bodies to advance the circular economy, stronger recovery of critical minerals from e-waste and batteries, and greater industry participation in developing secondary raw-material markets and supply-chain traceability.
Source:
Press Information Bureau
