New Delhi: Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav said that circular economy is not just an option but an imperative for India’s future, stressing on the economic, environmental, and social benefits of sustainable practices in the automotive sector. Delivering the keynote address at the Special Ministerial Session of the 3rd International Conference on Sustainable Circularity, organised by the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), in New Delhi on Monday, Yadav added, “Nobody recycles like Nature. We can ever match the scale of production when it comes to Nature and yet there is zero waste. As we take pride in our manufacturing abilities, let us also take a humbling lesson from Mother Nature in managing waste.”
In his opening remarks, Yadav commended SIAM for initiating discussions on circularity amidst the rapid growth of India’s automotive sector, now the third-largest market globally in passenger vehicle sales. He emphasised the importance of aligning this growth with environmental sustainability, drawing inspiration from nature’s efficient recycling systems. The Minister called upon the august gathering to make Nature their ideal when recycling strategies are planned.
Yadav highlighted the significance of transitioning to a circular economy, which he described as an imperative for India’s future.
Union Minister lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi for instilling a ‘can-do’ spirit in the government. He stated that under PM’s leadership, India is not just talking about managing waste but about unlocking the value of waste and turning ‘Waste-to-Wealth.’
The Union Minister called on SIAM and the automotive industry to lead the transition to a circular economy by incorporating recyclable designs, promoting sustainability in dealership operations, and enhancing consumer awareness. Yadav concluded by underscoring the dual responsibility of the automotive industry to drive economic growth while ensuring environmental sustainability. He also encouraged participation in initiatives like the ‘Ek Ped Ma Ke Naam’ campaign, underlining the importance of afforestation in combating air pollution.
On the occasion, Yadav also unveiled the SIAM Strategy Paper, titled ‘Towards Circular Future in the Automobile Industry: Integrating EPR Regime in Waste Stream Regulation”. Other dignitaries on dais included Shri Prashant K. Banerjee, ED, SIAM and Vikram Kasbekar, CTO, Hero Moto Corp.
