Turning Trash into Treasure: Himachal’s Bold Plan to Tackle Plastic Pollution
In a refreshing move to protect its pristine hills, the Himachal Pradesh government has launched a pioneering Refund Deposit Scheme aimed at reducing plastic waste. Now, when you buy snacks like chips, chocolates, or toffees, you’ll pay a little extra — but here’s the twist: you get that money back by returning the plastic wrappers.
This initiative, recently greenlit by the state cabinet and formally notified by the Environment Department, puts the power in the hands of everyday consumers. It’s a simple idea with a big impact: pay a deposit, return the wrapper, and get your money back directly into your bank account through an easy online system.
Imagine buying a ₹10 snack for ₹12 or ₹15 — and reclaiming that extra amount just by dropping off the wrapper at a designated center. It’s a win-win for your wallet and the environment.
To make sure the scheme runs smoothly, a high-powered committee led by the Chief Secretary will oversee its rollout. This team includes top officials from departments like Urban Development, Forest, Tourism, and Health, all working together to shape policies and procedures. A dedicated non-profit society will handle the day-to-day operations, ensuring transparency and efficiency.
The scheme targets the most common culprits of litter — plastic wrappers from popular snacks — which often end up polluting rivers, forests, and towns. From Shimla to Manali, the sight of plastic waste has become all too familiar, especially during tourist season. This pollution not only mars the beauty of the Himalayas but also threatens wildlife and water sources.
With climate change already putting pressure on the region’s fragile ecosystem, Himachal’s new scheme offers a hopeful path forward. It’s the first of its kind in India to link plastic waste with direct financial incentives, and its success will depend on public awareness and participation.
As the state gears up to roll out this ambitious plan, the message is clear: every wrapper returned is a step toward a cleaner, greener Himachal.
The idea of getting back refund money for returning tge wrapper,though noble is impractical in a country like,where the religion itself teaches how to create nuisance of every conceivable kind.
Do you expect a child to keep tge wrapper/bottle/tetracycline in his pocket and roam around and then search for the designated out of way point for deposit of the wrapper and then undergo the long proceedure of entering his personal details on the Refund Kiosk,which would be functional only for few days ,after inauguration for a pix in the news.
For a refund of Rs 2 for the wrapper money,imagine the e effort for credit of your bank acct and revealing your personal financial details to the fraudsters .
First educate and make masses aware of their shared responsibility and take measure to change their attitude/mindset for keeping the environment clean .Also use the grey matter to find an alternative to plastic,which at present seems impossible, the way our life depends on the plastic.
Just don’t make silly news only for publicity like God media