J&K needs working circular economy

Jammu and Kashmir’s Circular Economy Policy, 2026, signals an important shift in the approach to waste management. Instead of treating waste as something to be collected and discarded, the policy seeks to recover materials, encourage reuse and create economic opportunities from resources that would otherwise be lost. For a region facing mounting environmental pressures, this approach is both timely and necessary. The policy’s three-tier framework acknowledges the different requirements of remote villages, intermediate settlements and major cities. Decentralised processing can reduce transportation difficulties in far-flung areas, while coordinated logistics and advanced recovery facilities can serve urban centres. This flexibility is important in J&K, where geography and seasonal tourism place different demands on local administrations. The inclusion of horticultural biomass, tourism-related waste, construction debris, e-waste and wastewater also gives the policy wider relevance. Apple-growing areas could develop value chains around agricultural residues, while repair and reuse initiatives linked to wool and handicrafts could support traditional livelihoods. Such activities can make conservation an economic opportunity rather than merely an administrative obligation. However, the proposed Rs 3,548.7-crore planning envelope over ten years must translate into functioning infrastructure and measurable outcomes. The target of recovering more than 90 per cent of urban materials will remain difficult without segregation at source, dependable collection, modern processing facilities and markets for recycled products. Local bodies will have a decisive role. They need adequate technical staff, financial resources and monitoring mechanisms. Public participation is equally important, as even well-designed systems cannot succeed when households mix waste or dump it indiscriminately. The government must also ensure that funds are spent transparently and that projects are assessed against clear timelines. Private investment and producer responsibility mechanisms can supplement public funding, but accountability cannot be diluted. J&K’s environmental future depends on moving beyond policy announcements towards consistent action. A functioning circular economy would reduce pressure on landfills, conserve resources and generate green employment. The real test will be whether these benefits reach towns, villages and communities across the Union Territory.