 Early Times Report
JAMMU, Mar 3: The Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir marked a significant presence at the 12th Regional 3R (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) and Circular Economy Forum in Asia and the Pacific, held in Rajasthan from March 3 to 5, 2025. The event, a flagship platform for advancing sustainable development and resource efficiency, saw J&K highlighting its pioneering initiatives in waste management and circular economy practices, reinforcing its commitment to environmental stewardship.
The Lakes Conservation and Management Authority (LCMA) showcased Jammu & Kashmir's ground-breaking Dal Lake Weed Processing Unit at the forum, drawing widespread attention from policymakers, technocrats and sustainability experts. The project, which converts invasive aquatic weeds into organic manure and biogas, exemplifies the UT's innovative approach to tackling ecological challenges while promoting circular economy principles. Dignitaries including Policy Makers, Thinkers, Researchers and Planners from all across the Country visited the J&K stall and applauded the initiative of transforming lake waste into valuable resources adopting sustainable waste management practices.
The J&K delegation, led by senior officials from the Housing and Urban Development Department, engaged in extensive knowledge-sharing sessions with representatives from other states and Self-Help Groups (SHGs). Key focus areas included "Waste-to-Wonder Technologies", "Waste-to-Energy Innovations" and "Community-Led Circular Economy Models". The forum offered a wealth of ideas, particularly in decentralizing waste management and empowering local communities. The visit provided an opportunity to explore best practices and modern technologies for potential replication in Jammu & Kashmir.
In a landmark move, Srinagar Smart City Ltd. signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) under the CITIIS 2.0 program (City Investments to Innovate, Integrate, and Sustain 2.0), a joint initiative of the Government of India, the French Development Agency and the European Union. The MoU focuses on implementing integrated waste management systems, including smart collection networks and AI-driven recycling hubs, to transform Srinagar into a zero-landfill city by 2030.
Additionally, the UT government inked a state-level agreement to establish a Climate Observatory, a first-of-its-kind institution in North India. The observatory will monitor climate variables, assess risks, and formulate adaptive strategies for vulnerable sectors like agriculture, tourism, and water resources.
The participation of Jammu & Kashmir in the forum highlights its unwavering commitment to sustainable urban development and the promotion of circular economy principles, aligning with the broader vision of environmental conservation and resource efficiency.
CITIIS 2.0 is a flagship initiative driving integrated waste management and climate action. Proposals for integrated waste management in smart cities were invited by the Ministry of Housing Affairs, GoI and 18 proposals worth Rs. 1800 Cr were shortlisted benefiting 18 cities across 14 states of the Country.
The 12th Regional 3R and Circular Economy Forum will continue in the coming days, featuring expert discussions, policy dialogues and collaborative initiatives aimed at shaping the future of sustainable urban development and circularity in the country. |
