Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: The Goa Consumer Action Network (GOACAN) has strongly criticised the proposed Deposit Return Scheme (DRS), claiming it unfairly places the burden on consumers while failing to tackle major environmental problems.
GOACAN convenor Roland Martins argued that the scheme’s environmental justification is questionable, stating that the initiative does not address more serious contributors to pollution such as thin plastic carry bags and other single-use plastic items. Instead, he said, the focus appears to be on selected types of packaging materials.
Martins also maintained that consumers would be inconvenienced under the system, as they would have to spend time returning used containers without receiving any meaningful financial benefit. He pointed out that many people currently sell empty bottles and plastic items to scrap collectors and earn some money, a practice that could be affected if the DRS is implemented.
Describing the initiative in strong terms, Martins alleged that the scheme works against consumer interests and suggested that its underlying intentions should be examined more closely.
