Comprehensive Policy On Circular Economy In Works: Ashwini Kumar Choubey
Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution and Environment, Forest and Climate Change Ashwini Kumar Choubey on Saturday informed that a comprehensive policy on circular economy to ensure optimum utilisation of natural resources is being developed by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
Speaking at BW Businessworld’s ‘Recycling for Greener Tomorrow Conclave 2022’, the Minister highlighted the importance of recycling in developing a robust circular economy and striking the right balance between environmental conservation and economic development.
Recalling Mahatma Gandhi’s famous quote he said, “The Earth provides enough to satisfy every man’s needs but not every man’s greed. Humans have become greedy; we have neglected environmental conservation for economic development. To maintain the right balance between these two recycling is imperative.”
He also cited examples from the Vedas and said the Atharvaveda equated nature to the almighty. Similarly, the Yajurveda talked about providing no harm to mother Earth. “Nature is God’s greatest gift to mankind. It is hard to imagine our lives without nature. We must protect it as nature protects if she is protected,” he added.
He said India is the only country that has met its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) and is giving impetus to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Number 12 which talks about ensuring responsible consumption and production of natural resources through its 3R policy.
“Our 3R policy focuses on ‘Reducing, Reusing and Recycling’ resources and through it, we are on track to meet SDG Number 12. These three principles should be adopted by masses in their day to day lives,” he said.
On various government initiatives towards recycling, Choubey said that the government is implementing the 3R policy to give a boost to the country’s infrastructure development. “We are using recycled rubber from old tyres in road construction. The Indian Road Congress has also issued guidelines for it,” he stated.
He then highlighted some other rules notified by the government in recent years such as the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016, Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016, E-Waste Management Rules, 2016, Construction and Demolition Waste Rules, 2016 among others which have helped in accelerating recycling initiatives.
With electric vehicle sales gaining momentum he further informed that the Ministry is in the final stages of putting forward a draft Bill on waste management and a comprehensive policy on disposal of lithium batteries. He urged recycling industry leaders and other stakeholders to join the government’s efforts and through high-quality research help in creating a conducive environment for recycling.
