Meghalaya rolls out green deposit scheme to curb plastic waste at tourist spots

Guwahati: The Meghalaya government on Sunday, December 14, introduced a refundable Green Deposit scheme to curb plastic pollution at popular eco-tourism destinations and make visitors accountable for the plastic waste generated during their trips, officials said.

Under the scheme, tourists carrying plastic bottles, wrappers or bags into notified areas are required to pay a refundable deposit of Rs 100 at entry points.

The amount is returned once visitors deposit their plastic waste at designated exit counters, ensuring proper disposal.

The initiative has been rolled out at popular tourist locations such as Cherrapunjee, Dawki and the Living Root Bridges, where rising tourist numbers have led to a sharp increase in plastic litter.

Officials said the accumulation of non-biodegradable waste poses a serious threat to rivers, forests and other fragile ecosystems in these environmentally sensitive areas.

State authorities said the Green Deposit scheme aims to promote sustainable tourism, encourage responsible behaviour among visitors and reduce the environmental footprint of tourism in Meghalaya.

The government will monitor the scheme’s impact and may extend it to other eco-sensitive destinations based on its effectiveness.