SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir, a region often celebrated for its natural beauty, has found itself grappling with the growing issue of plastic waste generation. According to data presented in the Lok Sabha, Jammu and Kashmir generated 34,384 tonnes of plastic waste during 2021-22, which decreased slightly to 30,342 tonnes in 2022-23.
Jammu Kashmir produced 34367.37 tons in 2018-19, 74826.33 tons in 2019-20, and 51710.6 tons in 2020-21, the government revealed. Though Jammu and Kashmir almost make up barely one per cent of the country’s population, it produces only 0.73 per cent of the cumulative plastic waste of the country. Ladakh produced 1915.05 tons in 2021-22 and 860.5 tons in 2022-23.
The region, however, is actively addressing the issue, with 43 fully operational Plastic Waste Management Units (PWMUs) as of December 2024. These efforts position Jammu and Kashmir as a notable contributor to India’s broader plastic waste management goals.
The implementation of door-to-door waste collection, mandated under the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016, has been a cornerstone of these efforts, the government said in response to a question pertaining to the . Guidelines under the Swachh Bharat Mission support local bodies in ensuring the systematic collection and segregation of plastic waste, a crucial step toward effective recycling and disposal.
India’s challenge with plastic waste is significant, with generation steadily increasing over the years. From 3.36 million tonnes in 2018-19, the figure surged to over 4.13 million tonnes in 2022-23. States such as Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and Telangana are among the largest contributors, with Tamil Nadu alone generating 782,560 tonnes in 2022-23.
To tackle this, 978 PWMUs are operational across the country. Tamil Nadu leads with 326 units, while other states like Kerala (48 units) and Uttar Pradesh (68 units) have made considerable progress. However, several regions, including Goa and Ladakh, still lack operational PWMUs, underscoring the need for a more uniform approach to waste management infrastructure.
Under the Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin) Phase II guidelines, financial assistance of up to Rs 16 lakh per block is allocated for setting up PWMUs, with provisions for cluster-based units. This decentralised funding model allows states to prioritise projects based on their needs.
Recycling has also emerged as a vital component of India’s plastic waste management strategy. The Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) guidelines issued in February 2022 enforce mandatory recycling targets for producers, importers, and brand owners. Non-recyclable plastic is repurposed for road construction, energy recovery, or converted into waste-to-oil, aligning with the principles of a circular economy.
The government is enhancing waste collection systems by empowering local bodies and gram panchayats to execute door-to-door collection effectively. Market-driven EPR mechanisms further incentivise the development of robust collection and segregation infrastructure.
As India strives to balance its development goals with environmental sustainability, the management of plastic waste remains a critical challenge. States like Jammu and Kashmir, with their proactive approaches, exemplify how regional efforts can contribute to national objectives, reflecting the growing consensus that sustainable waste management is essential for preserving both human and environmental health.
