Shillong, December 15: In a bid to curb plastic pollution at high footfall eco-tourism destinations the Meghalaya government has rolled out a refundable ‘Green Deposit’ scheme making visitors accountable for plastic waste generated during their trips officials said.
The scheme, introduced on December 14 requires tourists carrying plastic items such as bottles wrappers or bags into notified areas to pay a refundable deposit of Rs 100 at entry points. The amount is returned when visitors dispose of or return their plastic waste at designated exit counters.
“Under the initiative tourists carrying plastic items such as bottles or wrappers into notified zones must pay a refundable deposit of Rs 100. The amount is returned upon responsible disposal or return of plastic waste at designated exit points” an official statement said.
The initiative has been implemented at some of the state’s most frequented natural attractions including Sohra (Cherrapunjee), Dawki and the Living Root Bridge areas which have witnessed a sharp rise in tourist inflow and plastic litter in recent years.
Officials said the accumulation of non-biodegradable waste poses a serious threat to rivers, forests and fragile ecosystems in these environmentally sensitive zones. The move is aimed at discouraging littering and promoting a ‘leave no trace’ culture among visitors.
“The move is aimed at discouraging littering and promoting a ‘leave no trace’ culture among visitors” the statement said.
The Green Deposit scheme forms part of Meghalaya’s broader waste management reforms and aligns with directions of the Meghalaya High Court on enforcing bans on single use plastics particularly items below 120 microns. It also complements the Clean Hills City initiatives under the Swachh Bharat Mission–Urban (SBM-U) 2.0.
Officials said the initiative combines enforcement with awareness with local communities and tourism stakeholders playing a key role in implementation to ensure environmental protection while supporting responsible tourism.
“Across hill cities and towns nationwide these initiatives focus on scientific solid waste management plastic waste reduction source segregation and behavior change campaigns tailored to fragile ecosystems” the statement said.
The state government will monitor the implementation of the scheme and may extend it to other eco sensitive destinations based on its effectiveness, officials added.
