The Meghalaya government recently introduced an innovative and refundable ‘Green Deposit’ scheme. This new measure directly addresses the escalating problem of plastic waste at the state’s high-footfall eco-tourism destinations. Specifically, the scheme aims to curb plastic pollution and promote a “leave no trace” ethic among visitors. This initiative reinforces the state’s push for responsible and sustainable tourism practices.
Officials confirmed the state has rolled out the Meghalaya Green Deposit Scheme at popular spots. These include Cherrapunjee (Sohra), Dawki, and the Living Root Bridges. These areas have experienced a significant surge in tourist numbers. Consequently, the resulting increase in plastic litter severely threatens the region’s fragile ecosystems, rivers, and forests.
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How the ‘Green Deposit’ Mechanism Works
The mechanism of the ‘Green Deposit’ is simple and directly involves the tourist in responsible waste management.
- Deposit at Entry: Visitors entering these notified eco-tourism zones must pay a refundable deposit of $Rs 100$ if they carry plastic items. These items include bottles, wrappers, or bags.
- Refund at Exit: The local authorities will return the full deposit amount to the tourists upon their exit. The only requirement is that visitors must return or responsibly dispose of their plastic waste at designated exit counters.
The initiative makes visitors personally accountable for the plastic waste they generate during their trip. Therefore, it creates a financial incentive for responsible behaviour. The policy successfully combines enforcement with environmental awareness, urging travellers to minimize their environmental footprint.
Aligning with Broader Conservation Efforts
The Meghalaya Green Deposit Scheme forms part of a much broader strategy by the state government to strengthen waste management. This comprehensive plan includes several key components:
- Community Involvement: The scheme actively involves local communities and tourism stakeholders in its implementation. This crucial community-led sanitation model ensures that local people benefit from and participate in environmental protection.
- Waste Reforms: The state is focusing on improved waste segregation at the source and stricter enforcement of existing plastic regulations.
- Legal Compliance: The initiative directly aligns with directions from the Meghalaya High Court. The court specifically mandated the strict enforcement of the ban on single-use plastics, particularly items below 120 microns in thickness.
The officials stated that the government will closely monitor the scheme’s impact. Based on its effectiveness, the state may extend the Green Deposit to other eco-sensitive destinations across Meghalaya.
By implementing this novel scheme, Meghalaya positions itself as a leader in innovative environmental governance within the tourism sector. This practical solution ensures that the state can enjoy the economic benefits of tourism while actively safeguarding its extraordinary natural beauty for future generations.
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