Telangana Partners with CSIR to Advance Waste Management and Circular Economy

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has facilitated a significant collaboration to strengthen India’s circular economy. A landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between the Government of Telangana and the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) in New Delhi, along with agreements between CSIR and leading recycling companies.

The MoU aims to empower Telangana’s workforce in recycling and waste management by leveraging CSIR’s expertise. Through this partnership, CSIR’s laboratories and institutions will provide technical training to develop proficiency in waste management technologies. This initiative aligns with circular economy principles, fostering green employment and promoting sustainable practices in the state.

In parallel, the MoEFCC facilitated agreements between eight CSIR national laboratories and leading recyclers, targeting 15 advanced waste management and recycling technologies. The participating CSIR labs include CSIR-NIIST, CSIR-IICT, CSIR-NML, CSIR-IMMT, CSIR-CEERI, CSIR-IIP, and CSIR-CECRI. These cutting-edge technologies will establish state-of-the-art recycling infrastructure, boost domestic recycling capacity, and secure critical mineral supplies through advanced processes. The agreements aim to modernize India’s recycling ecosystem by supporting recyclers with technical assistance and encouraging innovation.

The formal signing ceremony saw the presence of senior dignitaries, including Leena Nandan, Secretary, MoEFCC; Dr. N. Kalaiselvi, Director General, CSIR; A. Santhi Kumari, Chief Secretary, Government of Telangana; and Jayesh Ranjan, Special Chief Secretary, Government of Telangana. Senior scientists and officials from CSIR, MoEFCC, and the Telangana government also participated.

These collaborations are a significant step towards realizing the vision of Mission Circular Economy, emphasized by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during India’s 75th Independence Day celebrations. The MoEFCC’s proactive policies, including Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) frameworks, incentivize recycling efforts while integrating the informal sector into formal systems.

By combining policy support, technological innovation, and industry partnerships, CSIR is playing a pivotal role in India’s transition to a sustainable, resource-efficient future.