The Regulatory Tapestry of India’s Circular Economy

Abstract

This study examines the intricate landscape of the circular economy (CE) in India, focusing on the legal frameworks, policies, schemes, and various plans that align with CE principles. Despite the absence of explicit circular economy initiatives, early stage regulations like the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, Forest Conservation Act, 1980, and Environment Protection Act, 1986, have implicitly supported CE through their focus on environmental protection and waste management. In the progressive development stage, sector-specific regulations have emerged, including the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Policy Rules, India Smart Cities Mission, Biomedical Waste Management Rules, 2016, E-Waste Management Rules, Construction & Demolition Waste Management Rules, Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016, Steel Scrap Recycling Policy, 2019, and others. These policies, although not originally crafted with CE in mind, contribute significantly to promoting sustainable management practices in India. This review consolidates these frameworks, providing a comprehensive resource for researchers to easily access and understand the existing policies related to the circular economy in India. This compilation aims to facilitate further research and policy development in advancing India's transition to a circular economy.