Rajasthan, March 3: The Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma said that Rajasthan has taken initiative in green technology and sustainable development. Rajasthan is the first state to present a green budget and in this Rs 27, 854 crores has been set aside for green projects. He said that Circular Economy Park and Clean and Green Technology Development Centres are being set up with an investment of Rs 250 crore. The Chief Minister said that the state government will come up with a Circular Economy Incentive Scheme, which will provide assistance of up to Rs 2 crore to MSMEs and startups. Along with this, the disposal of old vehicles will be promoted through Rajasthan Vehicle Scrapping Policy. CM Sharma said that we will promote cooperation between the government, private sector and educational institutions through the establishment of Circular Economy Alliance Network to realize the dream of zero waste society.
The Chief Minister was addressing the 12th Regional 3R and Circular Economy Forum in Asia and the Pacific which was inaugurated Monday in Jaipur. The inaugural session was attended by Manohar Lal Khattar, Union Minister of Housing & Urban Affairs, Bhajan Lal Sharma, Chief Minister, Rajasthan. Mr. Trevor Hedley Manemahaga, Minister of Solomon Islands, Mr. Maina Vakafua Talia, Minister of Tuvalu, Mr. Ahmed Nizam, Deputy Minister of Climate Change of Maldives joined the session. Mr. Asao Keiichiro, Minister of Environment, Govt. of Japan joined the session through a virtual message.
Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma mentioned that a circular economy is not just a necessity for today but also for our future. He said that issues like climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution are creating challenges for the planet Earth and the Circular Economy is the most effective way to cope with these challenges. He said that it is a system where waste is reused & recycled causing reduced energy consumption and renewable energy is promoted.
Highlighting the steps taken by the Rajasthan Government, the Chief Minister said that the Rajasthan government is playing a leading role in this mission. An Environmental Management Cell (EMC) has been established so that waste management and recycling can be done more effectively.
On this occasion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s special written message was shared with the delegates of the Forum emphasising that India follows & strongly advocates the P-3 (Pro Planet People) approach. He has also mentioned that India has always been more than willing to share its experiences and learnings in its journey towards Circular Economy.
In his message, PM Modi highlighted the role of 3R and Circular Economy principles in ensuring sustainable urban development and resource efficiency. He highlighted India’s leadership in global sustainability efforts, including Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) and the Panchamrit Goals announced at COP26, reinforcing India’s commitment to a net-zero future.
Inaugurating the event, Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs, Manohar Lal Khattar, welcomed dignitaries, industry leaders, and international representatives. He expressed pride in India hosting the 12th edition of the forum, after the successful 8th forum in Indore. The Minister highlighted Jaipur as an ideal venue due to its deep-rooted traditions in sustainability, such as rainwater harvesting and handicrafts made from recycled materials. He thanked Hon’ble CM of Rajasthan Shri Bhajan Lal Sharma for his leadership in making sustainability a key pillar in the State’s development.
Taking forward PM Modi’s vision, Manohar Lal Khattar announced the Cities Coalition for Circularity (C-3), a multi-nation alliance for city-to-city collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and private sector partnerships. He stated, “We propose that a working group of member nations be formed after this forum to finalize the coalition’s structure and operational framework.” This is expected to be a game changer in the city- city partnerships across nations. Shri Manohar Lal reaffirmed that this forum will act as a catalyst for resource efficiency and a low-carbon economy, strengthening collaboration between policymakers, industry leaders, and researchers to build a sustainable future.
During the inaugural address the Minister said “Circular Economy is not just an environmental responsibility but an economic necessity”. He pointed out that India has always practiced sustainable living, but industrialization led to an increase in waste and resource inefficiency. “Now is the time to modernize and integrate these traditional sustainable practices with technological advancements,” he said.
Khattar emphasized that under the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, India is championing the Circular Economy on the global stage. He highlighted key government initiatives and also spoke about India’s focus on Bio-CNG, plastic waste management, and e-waste recycling, reaffirming the government’s resolve to create a low-carbon, resource-efficient society.
Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar announced that the forum will adopt the Jaipur Declaration (2025-2034), a non-political, non-binding commitment that will guide the next decade of efforts towards resource efficiency and sustainable urban growth.
As part of the forum, the 3R India Pavilion was jointly inaugurated by Union Minister Manohar Lal and Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma. The pavilion features the International 3R Trade and Technology Exhibition, showcasing innovative waste management and circular economy solutions from over 40 Indian and Japanese businesses and start-ups. The exhibition serves as a platform for industry leaders to explore cutting-edge technologies in resource efficiency and recycling.
The 12th Regional 3R and Circular Economy Forum will continue over the next few days, featuring expert discussions, policy dialogues, and collaborative initiatives to shape the future of sustainable urban development.
