Madras High Court Directs TASMAC To Implement Buy-Back Scheme To Clear Waste Bottles In Nilgiris

The Madras High Court on Monday directed the TASMAC Managing Director to implement the buy-back proposal in the Nilgiris region. The bench of Justice V Bharatidasan and Justice N Sathish Kumar was considering a batch of pleas for protection of the Western Ghats area.  

The court further stated that it plans to implement this proposal in all the hills stations of the state including Elagiri, Meghamala, Yercaud, Kodaikanal, Topslip, and the wildlife sanctuaries and national parks of the state of Tamil Nadu. The project will be implemented from June 15. The pilot project will be implemented in the Nilgiri area from May 15.

Even though it was aware that it is impossible to remove bottles completely, the court said that even if it was able to remove 50-70% of the bottles, it would be enough to protect the wildlife in the area.

Buy Back Scheme

As per the buyback scheme, for every sale of bottles in the Nilgiri District, an extra amount of Rs. 10/- shall be collected from the consumer over and above the Maximum Retail Price. This extra amount of Rs. 10/- so collected shall be refunded to the consumer on the production of an empty liquor bottle.

The scheme further provides for affixing rubber stamps on the bottles sold in the district for identification. The TASMAC shops shall collect these empty liquor bottles.

The Managing Director, TASMAC shall make necessary arrangements for creating awareness among the public and tourists in coordination with the Nilgiri District Administration.

Liquor in Private Clubs

It was also brought to the attention of the court that the private clubs and bars were selling liquor illegally in the area which also contributed to pollution in the area. A lawyer from the Masinagudi area informed the court that though TASMAC shops were controlled following due intervention by courts, there are private clubs serving liquor bottles. these clubs were also selling retail alcohol. The Additional Advocate General J Ravindran informed the court that these bottles were sold only for consumption inside the bars.

In this regard, the court directed TASMAC to inspect the bars in the hill areas and inspect whether liquor is being sold illegally. The court also directed TASMAC MD to take necessary action against these bars and to cancel their licenses if found to be against the regulations.

When concerns were raised that such regulation might affect the tourism in the area, the court remarked that "We're not interested in tourists. We're interested in wildlife".

The court directed the Managing Director, TASMAC to file a report regarding the implementation of the scheme before the next date of hearing on June 30.

Case Title: Solaimalai Sivasolaimalai v. Chairman and others 

Case No: W.P(MD) 7606 of 2017