The Dharamsala Municipal Corporation (MC) has been awarded the National SKOCH Award 2024 for its exemplary waste management and sanitation practices. Zaffar Iqbal, the Commissioner of Dharamsala MC, received the award at the 100th SKOCH summit held in Delhi. The MC has implemented a comprehensive system for the collection, transportation, and processing of waste, including door-to-door collection and the use of underground and other dustbins across the city. The civic body has collaborated with private players, NGOs, and self-help groups to enhance the effectiveness of its waste management programs. Additionally, the MC has focused on the welfare of sanitation workers by providing them with uniforms, ID cards, medical camps, and housing under the Union Government's Integrated Housing Slum Development Program. The sanitation activities are monitored through CCTV cameras, and a control room addresses grievances related to sanitation.

Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh launched India's first indigenous Automated Bio Medical Waste Treatment Plant, named "Sṛjanam," at AIIMS New Delhi. Developed by CSIR-NIIST, this innovative technology offers a sustainable solution for biomedical waste management. The plant can disinfect pathogenic waste without using incinerators, making it eco-friendly. With a daily capacity of 400 kg, it can handle 10 kg of degradable medical waste per day initially. The technology has been validated for its antimicrobial action and is safer than organic fertilizers like vermicompost. Dr. Singh emphasized the importance of sustainability and the transition from "Waste to Wealth".

The "Think Before You Throw" installation at Delhi's IGI Airport highlights the urgent need for waste reduction in India. Created by artist Aaditi Joshi in collaboration with the non-profit One Step Greener, the installation features a wavelike structure made from upcycled plastic waste. This art piece aims to raise awareness about plastic pollution and promote sustainable practices. With India generating 3.4 million tonnes of plastic waste annually and only 30% being recycled, the installation serves as a powerful call to action for travelers at one of the world's busiest transit hubs. The project demonstrates how creativity can drive sustainability and emphasizes the importance of reducing landfill waste.

The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research - National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (CSIR-NIIST) is set to deploy its innovative biomedical waste treatment technology at AIIMS, New Delhi. The technology, named "Sṛjanam," is an automated biomedical waste conversion rig designed to disinfect pathogenic waste without using incinerators. This eco-friendly solution can handle 400 kg of biomedical waste daily and convert 10 kg of degradable medical waste into soil additives. The technology has been validated for its antimicrobial action and non-toxic nature, making it safer than organic fertilizers like vermicompost. The initiative aims to provide a sustainable and cost-effective alternative for biomedical waste disposal, reducing health hazards and environmental contamination. The launch event was attended by Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh and other dignitaries.

Experts at the India Today Environment Conclave 2025 emphasized the urgent need for incentives to boost e-waste recycling in India. They highlighted the lack of a structured reverse supply chain for discarded electronic products, which hampers efficient recycling. Vikram Prabakar from Recykal pointed out the stark difference between supply chains for new products and those for discarded ones. Pawandeep Singh Bawa from Attero, India's largest e-waste recycler, underscored the environmental benefits of urban mining and the need for advanced recycling technologies. Despite advancements, lithium-ion battery recycling in India is still in its early stages. The panel called for policy changes and industry collaboration to strengthen the reverse supply chain and enhance recycling participation.

NatWest Group India and NGO Saahas have launched Project बिनMalba to tackle construction and demolition (C&D) waste in Gurugram. This initiative aims to introduce sustainable and scalable waste management solutions to mitigate the environmental impact of urbanization. Over the next 16 months, the project will focus on raising awareness among Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs), waste collection agencies, and civil contractors about sustainable C&D waste management. The project aims to divert approximately 2,000 metric tons of C&D waste for recycling and streamline collection and transportation to reduce illegal dumping. Additionally, a recommendation report will be provided to the Municipal Corporation of Gurugram (MCG) to help develop a city-wide scalable waste management strategy. The launch event featured a panel discussion with key stakeholders, emphasizing the importance of responsible disposal, recycling, and citizen participation for sustainable urban development.

Ganesha Ecosphere Limited's stock surged by 6% after the company announced a capital expenditure (capex) plan worth ₹750 crore to increase its production capacity. The investment aims to enhance the company's infrastructure and operational efficiency, positioning it for future growth. This strategic move is expected to boost the company's market presence and profitability in the waste management sector. The announcement has been well-received by investors, reflecting confidence in the company's growth prospects and commitment to sustainable waste management solutions.

India's Union Budget 2025-26, presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, emphasizes the "waste-to-wealth" initiative to secure the lithium battery supply chain. The budget proposes a full exemption from basic customs duty on scrap of lithium-ion batteries and critical minerals, including cobalt powder, lead, and zinc. This move aims to ensure the availability of raw materials for domestic lithium battery manufacturing and promote job creation. Additionally, the budget includes measures to boost electric vehicle (EV) battery production by exempting 35 capital goods related to EV manufacturing from customs duty. The government also plans to support clean tech manufacturing and improve domestic value addition through a National Manufacturing Mission. The budget allocates substantial funds for solar energy initiatives, including the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana and the PM KUSUM Scheme, to enhance energy security and promote sustainable technologies

The latest Economic Survey of India highlights the transformative impact of the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) on India's sanitation landscape since its launch in 2014. The mission has significantly improved hygiene practices and achieved universal sanitation access1. The SBM-Gramin Phase II (2020-25) upgraded villages from Open Defecation Free (ODF) to ODF Plus status, ensuring solid and liquid waste management. As of November 2024, 3.64 lakh villages have achieved ODF Plus status2. The survey also emphasizes community-driven waste management models, such as Kerala's door-to-door waste collection and Madhya Pradesh's large-scale composting initiatives. Additionally, the Jal Shakti Abhiyan focuses on water conservation, with women playing a key role in rainwater harvesting and afforestation1. The survey underscores India's progress in water security and rural sanitation, promoting a sustainable and resilient future.

Coldplay's recent concert in Ahmedabad created a significant environmental impact. The concert, hosted at the Narendra Modi Stadium, saw an astounding 2.5 lakh attendees across two days resulting in a staggering 550 tonnes of garbage being generated, spread across 150 venues and transport routes. The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) mobilized a substantial workforce, with 492 sanitation workers working in two shifts to keep the area clean. To handle the enormous amount of waste, AMC utilized 14 JCB machines, 27 trucks, and 12 sweeping machines. Additionally, the cleanliness drive extended beyond the concert venue to include hotels, bus stands, railway stations, and metro stations, ensuring that the entire city remained clean despite the large-scale event. The efforts of the AMC highlight the challenges, and the scale of operations required to maintain sanitation during large public events.

Congress party has a comprehensive plan to tackle the pollution problems in Delhi highlighting that clean water and air are basic rights for the residents of Delhi. To improve the situation, Congress intends to focus on several key areas like the Yamuna River Cleanliness and Air quality. The party plans to treat dirty water from drains before it enters the Yamuna River. This involves increasing the number of sewage treatment plants and implementing a drainage master plan to prevent untreated sewage from contaminating the river. For air quality, the plan includes measures to improve air quality, although specific strategies are not detailed in the article. Congress also aims to enhance the management of solid waste in the city to reduce pollution and improve overall cleanliness. The Congress party views these initiatives as essential for ensuring the health and well-being of Delhi's residents.

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has formed a committee to verify the claims made by the Pune Cantonment Board (PCB) regarding solid waste management in Hadapsar. The committee, comprising officials from the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) and Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), will inspect the site to ensure that preventive measures against open garbage burning and fire incidents have been implemented1. The NGT took Suo motu cognizance of a news report highlighting open garbage burning in Hadapsar and directed the committee to submit its report within three weeks.