NITI Aayog recently launched three reports in Jaipur to accelerate India’s transition toward a circular economy.
The documents focus on the sustainable management of end-of-life vehicles, waste tyres, and e-waste. By prioritizing material recycling and circular economy, the government aims to align industrial growth with the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision. This initiative establishes a formal framework to recover valuable resources from increasingly complex waste streams.
The surge in critical waste streams:
India’s rapid digitalization and mobility shift are generating unprecedented waste volumes. E-waste is projected to reach 14 million metric tons by 2030, while end-of-life vehicles will hit 50 million units. A robust circular economy is essential to manage these figures effectively. Furthermore, as lithium-ion battery demand hits 248 GWh by 2035, material recycling becomes a strategic imperative for national resource security.
Formalizing the recycling ecosystem:
The reports identify significant gaps in current infrastructure and sector formalization. NITI Aayog recommends strengthening the extended producer responsibility (EPR) framework to ensure manufacturers participate in the circular economy lifecycle. By streamlining material recycling processes, the policy seeks to convert environmental liabilities into economic assets. This shift will generate revenue while reducing the country’s dependence on imported raw materials.
Driving sustainability in mobility:
With a target of 30% electric vehicle penetration by 2030, the automotive sector is a primary focus. The transition requires a closed-loop system where battery components and vehicle parts undergo systematic material recycling. These reports serve as a comprehensive guide for stakeholders to implement circular economy principles. These actions will ensure that India’s path to net-zero remains both sustainable and inclusive.
