Waste circularity is emerging as a sustainable solution to India's mounting solid waste crisis. Discuss the key principles of waste circularity and the government's initiative in this regard. How effective have these measures been in fostering a circular economy? (Answer in 250 words)

Waste circularity is premised on the principles of circular economy - away from the prescient of take-maker-break model. India produces 155 lakh tonnes of SW everyday - and this is a gamechanging principle. Key principles: (1) 3Rs - Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. (2) Add two more Rs - REFURBISH - REMANUFACTURE. (3) Foundational principle - waste scavenging at base. (4) Circular economy - waste to wealth? 2 model - waste to energy.

Govt. initiatives: 1. Solid waste management Rules - includes the Extended Producers Obligation EPDS on the producers. 2. Waste to wealth - state-led initiatives under SWORE - Madras - 2.1) Udupi Under SWORE - Madras 2.2) Ahmedabad - new materials via SW. 2.3) Okhla - waste to energy plant. 2.4) Lucknow - utilising SW-nuts pellet for agri. manure. 3. Global-estab - waste scavenging technology. Effectiveness of this in fostering circular economy: 1. Increasing the end-of-value of products. 2. decreasing wasting - value-addition. 3. refurbishing into new materials - extending life-cycle of materials.

4. REDUCE - REUSE - RECYCLE - REPURISH (diagram shown) 5. energy efficiency 6. eco-centricism 7. Down conspicuous consumption. 8. developing within the carrying capacity. Issues remain: (1) only 60% SW collected formally - 30% segregated. (2) 70% processed by private/informal entities. (3) Lack of safety equipments - leading to health hazards. Solid waste is a serious issue in a rapidly urbanising world. A new chapter of sustanism with waste circularity at its centre is the key.