Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: Goa’s proposed Deposit Refund Scheme (DRS) received a major boost after more than 65 per cent of the state’s village panchayats and four Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) issued No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for the installation of Reverse Vending Machines (RVMs) ahead of the scheme’s rollout.
Officials said 300 Reverse Vending Machines have already arrived in Goa as preparations intensify for implementation of the state-led waste recovery initiative.
Out of Goa’s 191 village panchayats, 127 have granted permission for the installation of the machines, signalling growing support for the initiative across both North and South Goa.
According to officials, around 73 of the 121 village panchayats in North Goa have issued NOCs, while 54 out of 70 panchayats in South Goa have extended support to the scheme. Authorities said the wide participation from coastal, hinterland and urban-influenced regions reflects increasing public acceptance of the DRS initiative aimed at strengthening waste management practices.
The initiative is being spearheaded by the Department of Environment & Climate Change, Government of Goa, following announcements made by Chief Minister Pramod Sawant during the Budget Session of the Goa Legislative Assembly earlier this year.
The DRS framework introduces a refundable deposit system on PET bottles, glass bottles, aluminium cans and multi-layered packaging, encouraging consumers to return used containers through designated collection centres and vending machines.
Speaking about the initiative, Nadora Sarpanch Vishwajya Vishwanath Haldankar said cleanliness and environmental responsibility remain important priorities for the village.
“By returning used DRS-friendly packaging, residents can actively contribute towards keeping villages clean. Every household should participate in the initiative and help create awareness,” Haldankar said.
Similarly, Assolna Sarpanch Isaca Fernandes welcomed the scheme, describing it as an important step towards cleaner and more responsible waste management practices.
Sarpanch Savitri Sajaro Ghadi from Sal, Bicholim, highlighted the practical benefits of the initiative and said improper waste disposal has remained a challenge in villages.
“This scheme will help prevent roadside dumping of waste. Once these machines are installed, people will be encouraged to return empty bottles and receive refunds in return,” Ghadi said.
Officials stated that with NOCs now in place, the next phase of the rollout involving installation of Reverse Vending Machines and manual collection centres at identified locations is already underway.
The state government has also been conducting awareness programmes and live demonstrations in village panchayats across Bicholim, Bardez and Canacona to familiarise residents with the functioning of the DRS system.
Goa’s DRS initiative was recently presented before NITI Aayog, where it was recognised as a pioneering waste recovery model. Officials claimed Goa will become the first state in India and among the first regions globally to bring Multi-Layered Packaging (MLP) under a Deposit Refund Scheme framework.
The scheme has been backed by amendments to the Goa Non-Biodegradable Garbage Act, 2013, along with the notification of DRS Rules in 2024, providing a legal framework for statewide implementation.
