Shillong, Dec 14: Meghalaya has launched a Green Deposit Scheme to curb plastic pollution in high-footfall eco-tourism destinations, reinforcing the State’s push for sustainable tourism and stronger waste management.
The initiative has been introduced in Cherrapunjee, Dawki and the Living Root Bridges, areas that have seen a sharp rise in tourism and plastic litter affecting forests, rivers and fragile ecosystems.
Under the initiative, tourists carrying plastic items such as bottles or wrappers into notified zones must pay a refundable deposit of Rs 100, which is returned upon responsible disposal or return of plastic waste at designated exit points. The move is aimed at discouraging littering and promoting a “leave no trace” culture among visitors.
The Green Deposit Scheme is part of Meghalaya’s broader waste management reforms, which include community-led sanitation models, improved waste segregation, and stricter enforcement of plastic regulations. It also aligns with directions of the Meghalaya High Court on the strict enforcement of bans on single-use plastics, particularly items below 120 microns.
Officials said the initiative combines enforcement with awareness, with local communities and tourism stakeholders playing a key role in implementation, ensuring environmental protection while supporting responsible tourism growth.
The Green Deposit Scheme also complements the Clean Hills City initiatives under the Swachh Bharat Mission – Urban (SBM-U) 2.0, supported by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Government of India, in collaboration with State Governments. Across hill cities and towns nationwide, these initiatives focus on scientific solid waste management, plastic waste reduction, source segregation and behaviour change campaigns tailored to fragile ecosystems.
