Rajasthan Government Set to Launch Circular Economy Incentive Program
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Synopsis
On March 3, Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma highlighted the importance of a circular economy as a solution to climate issues and announced the launch of a new incentive scheme to support MSMEs and startups in waste management initiatives.
Key Takeaways
- Rajasthan aims to increase waste processing capacity significantly.
- New policy to optimize use of treated water.
- Focus on waste-to-energy initiatives and recycling.
- Financial support for MSMEs and startups under the Circular Economy Incentive Scheme.
- Formation of the Circular Economy Alliance Network for collaboration.
Jaipur, March 3 (NationPress) Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma on Monday underscored that the circular economy serves as a robust answer to address climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution.
He stated that by recycling and reusing waste, this approach diminishes energy use and supports renewable energy.
The Chief Minister confirmed that the Rajasthan government is making substantial efforts to champion this mission.
While speaking at the 12th Regional 3R and Circular Economy Forum hosted at the Rajasthan International Centre, CM Sharma pointed out that an Environment Management Centre has been established in the state to enhance waste management and recycling.
Moreover, a new policy is being crafted to maximize the utilization of treated water, he mentioned.
Citizens are also encouraged to donate and repurpose items via Chief Minister Sadbhavna Kendras, he added.
CM Sharma stated that Rajasthan aims to boost its waste processing capability from 21 lakh metric tonnes to 45 lakh metric tonnes.
Efforts are underway to promote waste-to-energy projects, focusing on compost, Refuse-Derived Fuel, and organic fertilizer production. In urban regions, MRF (Material Recovery Facility) plants are diligently sorting plastic, recyclable materials, e-waste, battery waste, and hazardous waste for improved disposal, he stated.
Chief Minister Sharma cautioned that the exploitation of natural resources has surged by 400 percent over the last 50 years, surpassing 106 billion tonnes.
Alarmingly, over 90 percent of these resources are wasted, with only 8.6 percent reintegrated into the global economy, according to the Chief Minister.
This unsustainable consumption is propelling climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental degradation, he added.
Under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Central government has initiated various measures to confront these issues, he noted.
As part of the Swachh Bharat Mission, India has launched the largest waste management and cleanliness drive globally, he remarked.
Furthermore, a circular economy roadmap has been developed, concentrating on 11 key sectors, including municipal solid waste, e-waste, solar panels, and agricultural waste, the Chief Minister shared.
Rajasthan is at the forefront of green technology and sustainable development, being the first Indian state to implement a Green Budget, allocating Rs 27,854 crore for environmental projects, he added.
The state government is also investing Rs 250 crore in establishing a Circular Economy Park and Clean and Green Technology Development Centres, CM Sharma stated.
Under the forthcoming Circular Economy Incentive Scheme, MSMEs and startups will receive financial aid of up to Rs 2 crore, he added.
The Rajasthan Vehicle Scrapping Policy will also be rolled out to promote the disposal of old vehicles, he mentioned.
To realize a zero-waste society, the Circular Economy Alliance Network will be formed, encouraging collaboration between the government, private sector, and educational institutions, he added.
