Omar calls J&K Circular Economy Policy a major step towards green growth
17/10/2026
SRINAGAR, Oct 16: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has described the Jammu and Kashmir Circular Economy Policy, 2026, as "a decisive step towards resource recovery, green growth and ecological sustainability", aimed at promoting resource-efficient development and reducing waste across the Union Territory.
The policy envisages a three-tier governance framework - Circular, Circular+ and Circular++ - to align waste management, recycling, resource recovery and wastewater reuse with the capacities and requirements of local bodies.
It provides for decentralised waste processing in small and remote areas, hub-and-spoke logistics along intermediate corridors and advanced circular economy systems in major urban centres, including Jammu and Srinagar.
Recognising the region's diverse waste streams, the policy covers municipal solid waste, food and wet waste, tourism-related waste, horticulture and agricultural biomass, packaging waste, construction and demolition debris, electronic waste and wastewater. It also promotes repair, refurbishment and reuse, including resource recovery initiatives linked to wool and handicrafts.
To address geographical and logistical challenges, the roadmap proposes regional resource recovery clusters focused on urban material recovery, apple and horticulture biomass, tourism circuits and artisan material loops. These clusters aim to connect waste management with local economic activity and livelihood generation.
The policy outlines an indicative 10-year planning envelope of Rs. 3,548.7 crore, with funding expected through convergence with Central schemes, Extended Producer Responsibility mechanisms and user charges, besides opportunities for public-private partnerships.
The framework aims to support long-term infrastructure development while reducing dependence on recurring government subsidies.
A key objective is to achieve more than 90 per cent urban material recovery through improved segregation at source, diversion of waste from landfills and the development of sustainable green livelihoods.
The policy also seeks to create economic opportunities for self-help groups, youth and waste workers by integrating resource recovery into local economic activity.
With its emphasis on decentralised solutions, regional specialisation and efficient resource utilisation, the policy provides a long-term framework for strengthening environmental sustainability and supporting resilient urban and rural development across Jammu and Kashmir.
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