Meghalaya launches ‘Green Deposit’ to cut down use of plastic

Plastic waste in the popular natural sites can be regulated through the Green Deposit Scheme initiated by the government of Meghalaya, whereby consumers are responsible for plastic waste they introduce in the state.

The state government in Meghalaya has introduced a unique “Green Deposit" system, under which the amount deposited for the disposal of plastic waste at different tourist destinations in the state shall be refunded. This initiative was launched on Sunday, the 14th of December.

As per the initiative, individuals who are interested in accessing the identified eco-tourist spots with plastic bottles, wraps, and bags will be needed to pay a fee of ₹100 as a deposit at the entry points. This will be refunded once this plastic waste is disposed of at the pay points upon exit.

As reported in PTI, the move will help in ensuring that the plastic waste brought to these protected areas does not bring in pollution to these protected areas. The Green Deposit Scheme has also been started in some of the most popular natural sites in the state of Meghalaya, which are Cherrapunjee, Dawki, and Living Root Bridges.

These destinations have experienced a sudden rise in the level of visitors within the last few years and have given rise to the creation of non-biodegradable waste. A warning had been sent to the respective governments regarding the harm caused by plastic waste to the rivers, forests, and ecologies of the mentioned destinations. According to officials, the purpose of this project is to help develop eco-tourism and alter the behavior of tourists in this manner. The government will watch this project closely and, if it proves to be effective, might develop it at other sensitive sites in the state also.