"Vibrant Gujarat Summit 2024: Chief Minister Emphasizes Circular Economy And Sustainable Development Through Innovative Waste Solutions"

Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel, during the third day of the 10th edition of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit, addressed a seminar on "Opportunities through Circular Economy: Recycling Waste-Water and Waste to Energy." He highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of utilizing waste instead of discarding it, ushering in a new era of economic sustainability.

Discussing initiatives such as Gobar gas and Biogas projects initiated by the Prime Minister, the Chief Minister emphasized the positive impact these changes have had on the rural economy. Congratulating Surat for receiving the Cleanest Cities Award, he stressed the importance of creating a clean environment across all cities in the state. The Chief Minister commended the circular economy created through effective waste management in every municipal corporation.

CM Patel asserted that with determination and technology, the state can contribute significantly to waste disposal solutions, citing Surat Municipal Authority's annual revenue of Rs. 140 crores generated by treating and providing industries with wastewater.

Union Minister of State for Urban Development Shri Kaushal Kishore underscored the necessity of addressing urbanization challenges in a rapidly developing country like India. He praised Prime Minister Modi's leadership in tackling urbanization issues through campaigns like Swachh Bharat, Shaheri Amrit 2.0, and Nal Se Jal. Kishore highlighted the production of biogas, bio CNG, and hybrid fuels from the country's waste, applauding Gujarat's 'Waste to Energy' policy.

World Bank Country Director Auguste Tano Kouamé emphasized the importance of recycling, reusing, and restoring items to create a sustainable future. He suggested that developing countries redirect waste disposal expenditures towards development to enhance overall prosperity and combat poverty.

Additional Secretary of the Central Urban Development Department Ms. D. Thara advocated for organized waste disposal from the moment of collection and proposed a 'Zero Waste City Policy.'

Shri Ashwani Kumar, Principal Secretary of the Department of Urban Development and Urban Housing, revealed that 48% of Gujarat's population resides in urban areas, with projections indicating an increase to 60% in the near future. The state government has initiated an action plan for sustainable development in cities.

The seminar saw the presence of dignitaries such as Additional Chief Secretary of the Finance Department Shri J.P. Gupta, Vice Chairman of Gujarat Maritime Board Shri Rajkumar Beniwal, Ahmedabad Municipal Commissioner Shri M. Thennarasan, and Surat Municipal Commissioner Smt Shalini Agrawal, along with experts associated with urban development and concerned citizens.

In a notable development, MoUs worth Rs. 210 crore were signed to produce biogas from waste in Anand, Rs. 200 crore for setting up Bio CNG and Bio Fertilizer plant in Ahmedabad, Rs. 125 crore for a bio CNG plant in Vadodara, and Rs. 230 crore and Rs. 120 crore to recycle and reuse wastewater by Surat Industries. Additionally, MoUs worth Rs. 100 crore were signed to raise funds for Green Fund Insurance in Surat.