Archive · 15 Sep 2026
Gujarat CM Calls for Growth Aligned With Ecology
Bhupendra Patel said Gujarat should grow its industries while protecting nature.
He said development and environmental protection should work together, not compete.
He described the circular economy as a way to use resources carefully and turn waste into useful products.
At Somnath Temple, some offerings are purified, composted, or reused instead of being thrown away.
Flowers and food waste are turned into manure.
Plastic waste is made into paver blocks with help from trained women.
Patel said these activities can also create rural jobs and support villages.
He asked the forum to develop practical ideas that countries can use.
Bhupendra Patel said Gujarat must pursue industrial growth without compromising its ecological resources.
He addressed the World Circular Economy Forum 2026 in Gandhinagar on Tuesday.
Patel highlighted Gujarat’s work in renewable energy, waste and water management, and resource efficiency.
He cited Somnath Temple’s processing of offerings and waste into purified water, manure, and paver blocks.
Patel urged the four-day forum to produce practical circular-economy solutions and strengthen international cooperation.
- Who
- Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel.
- What
- He called for industrial growth to be combined with ecological protection and promoted circular-economy practices.
- When
- Tuesday, during the four-day World Circular Economy Forum 2026.
- Where
- Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
- Why
- To use natural resources responsibly, convert waste into resources, support livelihoods, strengthen energy security, and develop practical international solutions.
- Event
- World Circular Economy Forum 2026
- Location
- Gandhinagar, Gujarat
- Speaker
- Bhupendra Patel, Chief Minister of Gujarat
- Key principle
- Economic growth and environmental protection should be treated as complementary priorities.
- Example cited
- Somnath Temple processes offerings and other waste instead of simply discarding them.
- Waste-to-resource uses
- Organic waste is converted into manure, sacred liquid is purified as Som-Ganga Jal, and plastic waste is used for paver blocks.
- Forum objective
- Move beyond discussion and generate practical circular-economy solutions applicable across countries.