Srinagar, Oct 16 (NVI) The Jammu and Kashmir Government today notified the Circular Economy Policy, 2026, which proposes to involve investment framework of Rs 3,548.7 crore over 10 years.
It also proposes a target of recovering more than 90 per cent of urban materials through improved waste segregation, recycling and diversion from landfills.
The policy establishes a three-tier system for managing waste across the Union Territory, taking into account differences in geography, settlement patterns, waste volumes and the capacity of local bodies.
It classifies small and remote areas under Circular, intermediate corridors under Circular+ and Jammu and Srinagar under Circular++.
The framework covers municipal solid waste, food and wet waste, tourism-related refuse, agricultural and horticultural biomass, packaging materials, construction and demolition waste, electronic waste and wastewater.
It also includes resource recovery through repair and refurbishment, as well as material reuse linked to wool and handicrafts.
To improve the collection, transportation and processing of waste, the policy proposes regional clusters focusing on urban material recovery, apple and horticultural biomass, tourism circuits and artisan material reuse.
These clusters are intended to facilitate specialised recovery and utilisation of materials while addressing logistical constraints arising from the region’s terrain.
The Rs 3,548.7 crore planning envelope is envisaged to be supported through convergence with Central government schemes, Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) mechanisms and user charges.
The policy describes the proposed financing framework as an indicative baseline intended to avoid dependence on recurring government subsidies.
It also identifies green employment opportunities for self-help groups, young people and waste workers through activities associated with recycling and resource recovery.
The policy aims to promote a low-waste economy while addressing tourism-related waste and protecting Jammu and Kashmir’s fragile ecosystems. It also envisages the reuse of resources to support more sustainable development in urban and rural areas. (NVI)
