From Waste to Wealth in Amrit Kaal: A Legal and Policy Analysis of India’s Transition towards Environmental Sustainability and the Circular Economy through Waste Management

Abstract

The need to adopt eco-friendly and environmental sustainable practices have advanced to become central focus in every corner of the world today. In this context, the green economy is an inclusive development model which can promote sustainable economic growth and social prosperity whilst minimizing environmental degradation. The development of industrial economy entails generation of waste, and it is so much that the environment is not able to destroy or reuse it naturally. Given this situation, the importance of waste management as its solution, is increasing day by day. Waste management refers to a broader concept that includes a series of regulations, practices, and strategies that reduce, reuse, recycle waste, and encourage responsible consumption and production. Waste from production processes can be a valuable source of secondary materials that would otherwise be land filled or incinerated, generating pollution and wasted resources. By recycling these materials from waste and reintegrating them into the materials production loops, critical raw materials can contribute to reduced environmental impacts and the promotion of circular economy. Any industry committed to reduce its carbon footprint should ultimately look to the Circular Economy. India’s commitments for the transition to a circular economy are also evident in the Panchamrit announced during COP26 and the G-20 Delhi declaration.
The Amrit Kaal period, which celebrates the 75th year since India’s independence, is an opportunity for the country to learn from its shortcomings and change its approach towards waste management and the environment. This paper seeks to identify the initiatives taken towards environmental sustainability and circular economy through waste management in India. The paper aims to elucidate how India can implement its waste management efforts through green technology, innovation and public-private partnerships, which will not only lead to environmental conservation, boost economic growth but also important to realise the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047.

The Amrit Kaal period, which celebrates the 75th year since India’s independence, is an opportunity for the country to learn from its shortcomings and change its approach towards waste management and the environment. This paper attempts to identify the initiatives taken towards environmental sustainability and circular economy through waste management in India. The paper aims to elucidate how India can implement its waste management efforts through green technology, innovation and public-private partnerships, which will not only lead to environmental conservation, boost economic growth but also important to realise the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047.