Cities Coalition for Circularity (C-3)

 

1. In March 2025, India has launched the Cities Coalition for Circularity (C-3) at the 12^th Regional 3R and Circular Economy Forum in Asia and the Pacific, held in Jaipur, Rajasthan.
2. This initiative marks a major step towards promoting city-to-city collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and private sector partnerships to promote sustainable urban development.
3. The forum serves as a platform for policymakers, industry leaders, researchers, and development partners to discuss strategies for resource efficiency and waste management.
    

About the Cities Coalition for Circularity (C-3)
 

1. C-3 is a multi-nation alliance aimed at integrating circular economy principles into urban development.
2. It supports sustainable waste management, resource efficiency, and carbon neutrality by enhancing city partnerships.
3. The initiative will help cities reduce waste generation, promote reuse and recycling, and develop sustainable infrastructure.
4. A working group of member nations will be formed to finalize the coalition’s structure and operational framework.
    

Why C-3 is Significant for Urban Sustainability?
 

1. Mitigating Climate Change: Reduces greenhouse gas emissions by minimizing waste and optimizing resource use.
2. Economic Growth: Encourages new business opportunities in recycling, remanufacturing, and waste management sectors.
3. Resilient Cities: Reduces dependency on finite resources, making cities less vulnerable to supply chain disruptions.
4. Job Creation: Generates employment in renewable energy, sustainable construction, and eco-friendly product manufacturing.
5. Improved Quality of Life: Leads to cleaner environments, better waste management, and healthier urban spaces.

7159157.  

7159157. What is the 12^th Regional 3R and Circular Economy Forum in Asia and the Pacific?
          

1. Theme: “Realizing Circular Societies Towards Achieving SDGs and Carbon Neutrality in Asia-Pacific.”
2. Organized by: Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (India), United Nations Centre for Regional Development (UNCRD), and Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES).
3. Supported by: United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), Japan’s Ministry of Environment, and other international organizations.
4. Key Outcome: Adoption of the Jaipur Declaration (2025-2034), a non-political, non-binding commitment to guide the next decade of efforts in resource efficiency and sustainable urban growth.
    

Key Announcements at the Forum
 

1. Launch of C-3 Initiative: A global alliance for circular economy, promoting collaboration and private sector engagement.
2. Signing of MoU for CITIIS 2.0 (City Investments to Innovate, Integrate, and Sustain)
   1. ₹1,800 crore investment to support 18 cities across 14 states.
   2. Focuses on integrated waste management and climate action.
       

A circular economy ensures

3R India Pavilion: Showcases 40+ businesses and start-ups from India and Japan working on waste management and circular economy solutions.

India’s Initiatives in Circular Economy & 3R Policies

1. Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM-U)
   1. Achieved 108.62% of the household toilet construction target.
   2. Successfully processed 80.29% of solid waste.
2. GOBAR-Dhan Scheme
   1. 1,008 biogas plants operational across 67.8% of India’s districts.
3. E-Waste Management Rules, 2022
   1. FY 2024-25: 5,82,769 MT of e-waste collected, 5,18,240 MT successfully recycled.
4. Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for Plastic
   1. Single-use plastic banned in India on 1st July 2022.
5. Bio-CNG, Plastic Waste Management, and E-Waste Recycling
   1. Government initiatives focus on reducing dependency on landfills and promoting alternative fuel sources.
       

Implementing Circular Economy in Cities
 

Challenges	Solutions
Lack of Awareness and Technical Expertise.	Promote education campaigns on circular living.
High Initial Investment Costs.	Invest in new technologies for sustainable materials and processes.
Resistance to Change from Businesses and Consumers.	Enforce regulations that mandate circular economy practices.
Insufficient Policy Support and Enforcement Mechanisms.	Collaborate with private sector to scale up circular economy projects.

Conclusion

The launch of C-3 and the 12^th Regional 3R Forum highlights India’s growing leadership in circular economy principles. The initiative will serve as a model for other nations, fostering sustainable urban development through city collaborations, private sector engagement, and innovative waste management solutions. With India’s commitment to resource efficiency, waste reduction, and climate action, the path toward a more sustainable and resilient future is well underway.