Meghalaya has launched the Green Deposit Scheme to control plastic pollution in high-footfall ecotourism destinations, strengthening its push for sustainable tourism and effective waste management.

• The Government of Meghalaya has launched an innovative Green Deposit Scheme to tackle the growing menace of plastic pollution in its most iconic ecotourism spots. 
• This move comes as a response to the heavy tourist footfall in fragile zones like Cherrapunjee (Sohra), Dawki, and the Living Root Bridges, where littering has begun to threaten local biodiversity.

About the Scheme 

The scheme operates on a simple “Deposit-Refund” principle to ensure tourists take responsibility for their waste:

• Mandatory Deposit: Visitors carrying plastic items (bottles, wrappers, etc.) into notified zones must pay a refundable deposit of ₹100.
• Responsible Return: The amount is refunded only when the tourist returns the plastic waste to designated exit points.
• Objectives of the Scheme:

• Discourage plastic littering at tourist destinations.
• Promote a “leave no trace” culture among visitors.
• Protect ecologically sensitive landscapes from long-term damage.
• Encourage behavioural change rather than only punitive action.

Legal and Policy Framework

This initiative is not an isolated move but is backed by strong legal mandates:

• High Court Intervention: The scheme aligns with the Meghalaya High Court’s directions to strictly enforce the ban on Single-Use Plastics, specifically items below 120 microns.
• The Scheme is part of Meghalaya’s larger waste management reforms, which include:
  • Community-led sanitation models.
  • Improved waste segregation systems.
  • Stricter enforcement of plastic regulations.

Significance for the Northeast

As a Biodiversity Hotspot, Meghalaya’s ecosystems are highly sensitive. The Green Deposit Scheme serves as a scalable model for other Himalayan states struggling with “Overtourism” and waste management in hilly terrains where traditional garbage collection is difficult.

Exam Hook: Prelims Practice

Q. Consider the following statements regarding the ‘Green Deposit Scheme’ recently launched in Meghalaya:

1. It is a financial investment scheme where citizens earn interest for planting trees.
2. It involves a refundable fee on plastic items to ensure their proper disposal by tourists.
3. The scheme specifically targets ecotourism destinations like Dawki and Cherrapunjee.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A) 1 and 2 only

B) 2 and 3 only

C) 3 only

D) 1, 2, and 3

Answer: B (2 and 3 only). Statement 1 is incorrect; it is a waste management initiative, not a banking/investment product.

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