The Tamil Nadu government’s 2025-26 budget has proposed waste-to-energy plants and a clean-up drive as part of its waste management strategy. However, experts warn that this approach may not be sustainable in the long run. By encouraging industries that could potentially increase pollution, the government is risking public health and the environment. Critics argue that burning waste is not a viable solution to the plastic crisis and that more sustainable alternatives need to be explored. The focus should be on reducing plastic consumption, improving recycling infrastructure, and promoting eco-friendly alternatives. Environmentalists urge the government to prioritize long-term solutions that will protect the well-being of the people and the planet. As India grapples with a growing plastic crisis, it is crucial for policymakers to adopt holistic waste management practices that prioritize sustainability and environmental conservation.