Srinagar, October 17, 2026: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has described the newly notified Jammu and Kashmir Circular Economy Policy, 2026, as a decisive step towards green growth, resource recovery and ecological sustainability. The policy outlines a 10-year roadmap with an indicative financial planning outlay of ₹3,548.7 crore to strengthen waste management, promote recycling and create sustainable livelihood opportunities across the Union Territory
The policy aims to shift Jammu and Kashmir towards a low-waste, resource-efficient development model that takes into account the region’s diverse geography, mountainous terrain and settlement patterns.
Three-Tier Framework for Waste Management
The policy proposes a three-tier governance framework — Circular, Circular+ and Circular++ — to adapt waste management and resource recovery systems to the needs of different areas.
Small and remote settlements will be encouraged to adopt decentralised waste processing systems, while intermediate areas will rely on regional collection and processing networks. Major urban centres, including Jammu and Srinagar, are envisaged to develop advanced recycling and resource recovery infrastructure.
The approach seeks to improve waste segregation, reduce the volume of waste sent to landfills and promote the productive reuse of discarded materials.
Policy Covers Multiple Waste Streams
The Circular Economy Policy addresses a wide range of waste materials, including municipal solid waste, food and wet waste, tourism-related waste, agricultural and horticultural biomass, packaging, construction and demolition debris, electronic waste and wastewater.
It also promotes repair, refurbishment and reuse to extend the life of materials and reduce pressure on natural resources. Special attention has been given to opportunities associated with wool, handicrafts and other traditional artisan activities.
Regional resource recovery clusters are proposed to improve the collection, transportation, processing and productive utilisation of discarded materials. These clusters will focus on urban waste recovery, apple and horticulture biomass, tourism circuits and artisan material networks, connecting environmental management with local economic activity
₹3,548.7 Crore Roadmap and Green Employment
The policy envisages an indicative financial planning envelope of ₹3,548.7 crore over 10 years. Funding is expected to be mobilised through convergence with Central government schemes, Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) mechanisms, user charges and potential public-private partnerships.
The framework aims to reduce reliance on landfills, improve resource efficiency and create opportunities for self-help groups, young people and waste workers through collection, segregation, recycling and other resource recovery activities.
A key target is to achieve more than 90 per cent urban material recovery, supported by improved waste segregation at source and expanded recycling infrastructure.
The proposed investment represents an indicative long-term planning envelope rather than confirmation that the entire amount has already been allocated or spent.
Focus on Sustainable Development Across J&K
Jammu and Kashmir’s mountainous terrain, dispersed settlements and transport challenges require waste management solutions suited to local conditions. The policy’s emphasis on decentralised processing and regional specialisation is intended to address these constraints while improving the economic viability of recycling.
If implemented effectively, the framework could help strengthen environmental protection, support local enterprises, generate green livelihoods and promote more sustainable development across both urban and rural areas.
The success of the initiative will depend on effective coordination among departments and local bodies, the development of processing facilities, financing arrangements and consistent monitoring of material recovery targets.
The Jammu and Kashmir Circular Economy Policy, 2026, thus sets out a long-term framework for linking waste reduction and recycling with economic opportunity and ecological sustainability.
