Srinagar, Oct 16 (KNS): The Jammu and Kashmir government has unveiled a Rs 3,548.7-crore, 10-year circular economy roadmap aimed at improving waste management, expanding recycling infrastructure and generating economic opportunities through resource recovery across the Union Territory.

The newly notified Jammu and Kashmir Circular Economy Policy, 2026, envisages recovering more than 90 per cent of urban waste materials through improved segregation, recycling and reduced dependence on landfills.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah described the policy as "a decisive step towards resource recovery, green growth and ecological sustainability", saying it would help Jammu and Kashmir move towards a low-waste and resource-efficient development model.

The policy proposes a three-tier framework — Circular, Circular+ and Circular++ — to address waste management requirements in different geographical and urban settings.

Under the framework, smaller and remote settlements will focus on decentralised waste processing, intermediate areas will use regional collection and processing networks, while major urban centres, including Jammu and Srinagar, will adopt advanced recycling and resource recovery systems.

The policy covers municipal solid waste, food waste, tourism-related waste, horticulture and agricultural biomass, packaging materials, construction debris, electronic waste and wastewater.

A major component involves developing regional resource recovery clusters to improve the collection, transportation, processing and productive reuse of discarded materials.

These clusters will focus on urban waste recovery, apple and horticulture biomass, tourism circuits and traditional artisan activities, including wool and handicrafts.

The government expects the initiative to create economic opportunities by converting waste into reusable materials and linking recycling activities with local industries.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

The policy carries an indicative financial planning envelope of Rs 3,548.7 crore over 10 years.

Funding is proposed through convergence with Central government schemes, Extended Producer Responsibility mechanisms, user charges and potential public-private partnerships.

However, the policy announcement does not specify annual expenditure commitments, project-wise allocations or a detailed timeline for mobilising the proposed investment.

The framework also seeks to generate green employment by involving self-help groups, young entrepreneurs and waste workers in collection, segregation, recycling and resource recovery activities.

Special attention has been given to Jammu and Kashmir's mountainous terrain and dispersed settlements, where transportation costs and limited processing infrastructure can make conventional waste management difficult.

By encouraging decentralised processing and regional specialisation, the government aims to reduce waste transportation requirements and improve the economic viability of recycling operations.

The policy also promotes repair, refurbishment and reuse of materials to extend product lifecycles and reduce pressure on natural resources.

While the roadmap sets an ambitious target of more than 90 per cent urban material recovery, its implementation will depend on the development of processing infrastructure, funding arrangements and coordination among urban and rural local bodies.

The government said the policy would support environmental protection, resource efficiency and sustainable economic development across Jammu and Kashmir. (KNS)