India, Dec. 15 -- 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 litte...