DRAFT NATIONAL RESOURCE EFFICIENCY POLICY was released by the Ministry for Environment, Forest and Climate Change for public comments. The Policy notes that the material consumption in India has increased by six times from 1.2 billion tonnes in 1970 to 7 billion tonnes in 2015. It is expected to double by 2030, in view of rapid urbanisation, increasing population, and growing economic development. These are expected to lead to serious resource depletion and environmental degradation.
The Policy provides for the establishment of a National Resource Efficiency Authority (NREA) to oversee, administer and review implementation of the Policy. Respective state governments and ministries will be responsible for developing and implementing resource efficiency strategies. An inter-ministerial National Resource Efficiency Board will be established to provide guidance on critical aspects of implementation.