The Indian government plans to establish a dedicated recycling plant in Uttarakhand for lithium-ion batteries and electronic waste (e-waste) to combat environmental pollution and resource depletion.

This initiative seeks to promote sustainable waste management and the circular economy, with the government hoping to recover valuable resources while reducing the demand for raw materials. The plant's establishment is anticipated to bolster electronic waste management, create jobs, and support the green economy in Uttarakhand and nearby areas.

It also adds to the government's efforts towards clean energy initiatives, as lithium-ion batteries are essential for powering electric vehicles and renewable energy storage.

Why does it matter?

India, ranked as one of the largest e-waste generators globally, faces a critical challenge highlighted by the UN's recent warning. With electronic waste projected to surge to 82 million metric tons by 2030, driven by consumer demand and inadequate recycling infrastructure, urgent action is imperative. Environmental impacts from products like solar panels compound the issue, with India's solar capacity alone forecasted to contribute 340 kilotons of waste by 2030. Regulatory measures like the E-waste Management Rules aim to address this, yet localized hubs like Kota, known for coaching institutes, underscore specific e-waste challenges.