Saturday, 29 April 2023 | PNS | DEHRADUN

With the Char Dham Yatra in full flow, the digital Deposit Refund System (DRS) implemented in the past in Kedarnath is slated to be expanded to other Char Dham shrines this year to resolve the issue of Plastic littering.

The digital DRS also envisaged in the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016, aims to collect every single plastic Bottle and plastic items sold to return back in the collection system, so that they are not strewn around. In a DRS system, consumers buy products and pay an additional amount (not a tax) of Rs 10 which comprises a deposit. This deposit is fully refundable and reimbursed when the consumer returns the empty packaging (bottle, sachet, chips packets,etc) to collection points set up at Yatra route.

Technology company Recykal had received positive response for this initiative launched in Kedarnath last year. This year the company is introducing this system in the other Dhams of Gangotri and Yamunotri along with Kedarnath targeting a collection of 25 to 30 metric tonnes of plastic waste generated during the Yatra season. The initiative is aimed at collecting 15-20 lakh plastic PET bottles and 20-30 lakh chips packets before reaching sacred rivers- Mandakini, Yamuna, Bhagirathi and Alaknanda, and forests of Uttarakhand.

Rudraprayag district magistrate Mayur Dixit said, “Pilgrims visit Kedarnath Dham in large numbers which also results in littering of empty bottles, packets etc. To resolve this issue, in collaboration with Recykal we ran a pilot wherein pilgrims can purchase plastic water bottles with a certain extra charge which was refunded after the used bottle is returned. After the success of this pilot, we have decided to implement this throughout the entire yatra route.”

Uttarkashi district magistrate Abhishek Ruhela said, “Uttarkashi district has implemented DRS on the routes to Gangotri and Yamunotri during the Yatra. This system will help us in sustainable management of plastic during the pilgrimage. It will help in keeping our rivers and mountains free from plastic littering.”

Founder and CEO of Recykal, Abhay Deshpande said, “Our smart technology solution has been instrumental in inducing behavioural change among the pilgrims, promoting responsible waste disposal and halting plastic pollution at the holiest pilgrimage site Kedarnath. We’re excited to continue using technology to drive positive change and introduce a digital DRS in this year’s Char Dham Yatra.”