By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Dec 14: Meghalaya has introduced a Green Deposit Scheme aimed at curbing plastic pollution in high-footfall eco-tourism destinations, reinforcing the State’s broader push for sustainable tourism and tighter waste management practices.
The initiative is being implemented in Sohra, Dawki and the Living Root Bridges — destinations that have witnessed a sharp surge in tourist inflow and a corresponding rise in plastic litter threatening forests, rivers and other fragile ecosystems.
Under the scheme, tourists entering notified zones with plastic items such as bottles or wrappers are required to pay a refundable deposit of Rs 100. The deposit is returned when visitors responsibly dispose of or hand over the plastic waste at designated exit points. The measure is intended to discourage littering while promoting a “leave no plastic trace” ethic among travellers.
Officials have indicated that the Green Deposit Scheme forms part of Meghalaya’s wider waste management reforms, which include community-led sanitation models, improved waste segregation systems and stricter enforcement of plastic regulations. The initiative is also aligned with directions of the Meghalaya High Court mandating strict enforcement of bans on single-use plastics, particularly those below 120 microns.
Authorities believe this participatory approach will help protect sensitive ecosystems while ensuring tourism growth remains responsible and sustainable.
The Green Deposit Scheme also complements the Clean Hills City initiatives under Swachh Bharat Mission–Urban 2.0, supported by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs in collaboration with the state governments. These initiatives, implemented across hill cities and towns nationwide, focus on scientific solid waste management, reduction of plastic waste, source segregation and behaviour change campaigns designed for ecologically fragile regions.
