India Proposes Fund to Aid Developing Nations in Tackling Plastic Pollution

02 Dec 2024 CW Team

Inspired by the Montreal Protocol India's fund concept is modeled on the successful Multilateral Fund under the Montreal Protocol, which provided financial and technical support to combat ozone layer depletion. This proposed fund would operate on a grant-based system, offering financial aid without loans to enable developing countries to transition to eco-friendly technologies and practices.

The proposal highlights that compliance by developing nations should be contingent upon financial and technical assistance from developed countries, including access to advanced technologies.

Key Features of the Proposal Financial Support: Developed countries would make periodic contributions to the fund, supplemented by private sector donations under agreed guidelines. Subsidiary Body: A governance body with equal representation from developed and developing nations would oversee the fund’s operations, including resource allocation, policy creation, and ensuring equitable distribution. Technology Transfers: The subsidiary body would facilitate the transfer of advanced technologies to developing nations, further easing their transition. According to India’s Union Environment Ministry, this fund would ensure that the additional costs of switching to environmentally friendly alternatives are borne by developed nations.

Global Context The proposal comes against the backdrop of the United Nations Environment Assembly's (UNEA) historic 2022 resolution to address plastic pollution on a global scale. This resolution led to the formation of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC), tasked with creating a legally binding international agreement by 2024.

Since 2022, the INC has conducted four negotiation sessions across Uruguay, France, Canada, and Kenya. The ongoing Busan session is expected to finalize the terms of the agreement.

A Step Toward Equitable Solutions India’s suggestion to align global efforts with differentiated responsibilities reflects a push for equity in combating plastic pollution. By proposing a grant-based system and emphasizing the need for developed nations to shoulder the financial burden, the plan seeks to ensure fair participation and compliance from developing countries.

As the INC nears its 2024 deadline, India’s fund proposal has the potential to become a cornerstone in the global fight against plastic pollution.

India has proposed the establishment of a dedicated multilateral fund to assist developing countries in addressing plastic pollution. The proposal was submitted during the final round of negotiations for a legally binding international agreement on plastic pollution, held in Busan, South Korea, from November 25 to December 1, 2024. Inspired by the Montreal Protocol India's fund concept is modeled on the successful Multilateral Fund under the Montreal Protocol, which provided financial and technical support to combat ozone layer depletion. This proposed fund would operate on a grant-based system, offering financial aid without loans to enable developing countries to transition to eco-friendly technologies and practices. The proposal highlights that compliance by developing nations should be contingent upon financial and technical assistance from developed countries, including access to advanced technologies. Key Features of the Proposal Financial Support: Developed countries would make periodic contributions to the fund, supplemented by private sector donations under agreed guidelines. Subsidiary Body: A governance body with equal representation from developed and developing nations would oversee the fund’s operations, including resource allocation, policy creation, and ensuring equitable distribution. Technology Transfers: The subsidiary body would facilitate the transfer of advanced technologies to developing nations, further easing their transition. According to India’s Union Environment Ministry, this fund would ensure that the additional costs of switching to environmentally friendly alternatives are borne by developed nations. Global Context The proposal comes against the backdrop of the United Nations Environment Assembly's (UNEA) historic 2022 resolution to address plastic pollution on a global scale. This resolution led to the formation of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC), tasked with creating a legally binding international agreement by 2024. Since 2022, the INC has conducted four negotiation sessions across Uruguay, France, Canada, and Kenya. The ongoing Busan session is expected to finalize the terms of the agreement. A Step Toward Equitable Solutions India’s suggestion to align global efforts with differentiated responsibilities reflects a push for equity in combating plastic pollution. By proposing a grant-based system and emphasizing the need for developed nations to shoulder the financial burden, the plan seeks to ensure fair participation and compliance from developing countries. As the INC nears its 2024 deadline, India’s fund proposal has the potential to become a cornerstone in the global fight against plastic pollution.

Infrastructure Transport

06 May 2026

Pune To Build Nine Km Link Road Between Highways

The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has decided to appoint an expert to plan the development of a nine km long, 60 metre wide road from Khadi Machine chowk to Wadki chowk as an extension to the Katraj-Kondhwa road to link the Mumbai-Satara and Pune-Solapur national highways. The scheme is intended to divert heavy vehicle traffic away from the city and improve access between the two arterial routes. The project has been prioritised by the PMC and forms part of a larger set of schemes in which 19 roads have been identified for development at a combined cost of Rs 9.82 billion (bn) to address c..

Infrastructure Transport

06 May 2026

Barabanki Bahraich Six Lane Highway Approved in Uttar Pradesh

The Uttar Pradesh government has approved construction of a new six-lane highway linking Barabanki and Bahraich as part of National Highway 927, and the cabinet has cleared the project. The alignment will pass through Mustafabad and Kaiserganj and extend for about 101.5 km, creating a key corridor for local and long-distance movement. The National Highways Authority of India will oversee the work and has signalled the scheme is intended to strengthen regional connectivity and cross-border access to Nepal. The project carries an estimated total cost of Rs 69,690 million, equivalent to Rs 69.69..

Infrastructure Transport

06 May 2026

Toll At Kharegaon Likely As Highway Upgrade Nears Completion

A section of the highway at Kharegaon has undergone an upgrade and is approaching completion, and authorities have indicated plans for a toll to be introduced once works finish. The project has focused on strengthening the carriageway, improving drainage and upgrading intersections to enhance safety and capacity. Officials have said the toll will be used to recover construction costs and fund ongoing maintenance. The upgrade included resurfacing of the pavement, widening of certain stretches and installation of modern signage and lighting to reduce accident risk. Contractors completed most ma..