Tamil Nadu: Major changes underway in empty liquor bottle return scheme
Tamil Nadu Tamil Nadu: The Tamil Nadu government has told the Madras High Court that the scheme for taking back empty liquor bottles implemented in the state will be completely changed. This information was given by the government during the hearing on Friday. The matter is related to environment and wildlife protection, on which a special bench of the High Court is hearing.
In fact, at hill tourist destinations like Ooty and Kodaikanal, a large number of tourists throw plastic water bottles and empty liquor bottles in the forest areas. This is not only harming the environment but also posing a threat to wild animals. The court had earlier intervened on this issue.
The case was heard by Justice A. Satish Kumar and D. Bharat Chakraborty, which hears cases related to environment, forests and wildlife. The court had earlier directed that a system be implemented at TASMAC shops in the hilly areas, under which an additional Rs 10 should be charged while purchasing a liquor bottle and this amount should be refunded if the bottle is returned empty. Later, instructions were given to implement this system in the entire Tamil Nadu.
In the hearing held on Friday, Chief Government Advocate Vijay Narayan, appearing for the government, told the court that this bottle return scheme has currently been implemented in all the districts of Tamil Nadu except three districts. He said that the government is now considering making comprehensive changes in this entire scheme so that it can be made more effective and practical.
He also said that the government is also studying the possibility of reducing the role of TASMAC employees in the process of taking back empty bottles or keeping them out of the process. The objective behind this is to make the system more transparent and smooth.
Environmental experts say that the increasing garbage and plastic pollution at tourist places has caused serious damage to the ecosystem of the forests. Especially liquor bottles and plastic waste are having adverse effects on the health of wildlife.
Taking the matter seriously, the special bench of the High Court has asked the state government to submit a detailed report and reform plan. The court has also indicated that if needed, instructions can be given to implement this scheme more strictly.
This entire matter has sparked a new debate regarding environmental protection and waste management policy in the state. Both the government and the court are emphasizing that the natural beauty of tourist destinations and the safety of wildlife should be protected at any cost.
