Panaji: The state’s Deposit Refund Scheme (DRS), which is expected to be rolled out in April, is seen as one way to curb recurring injuries from broken glass on Goa’s beaches, say tourism industry stakeholders.Data provided by Drishti Marine shows that in 2025, such injuries were reported at seven beaches across Goa. Two were reported in Jan this year.
Anthony Fernandes, who runs a beach shack, said that very often groups of domestic tourists drink on the beach and then leave the bottles behind.Cruz Cardozo, president of the Shack Owners Welfare Associatio said that a deposit scheme for glass bottles may well be the answer. “Right now, nobody keeps a deposit. If you sell a bottle and tell the person to keep a deposit and take it back once the bottle is returned, people will bring it back.”DRS is being rolled out in a phased manner, with alcohol bottles being part of the first phase. Under the scheme, consumers pay a refundable deposit at the point of purchase, which is returned when the empty container, including glass bottles, is brought back to an authorised collection point.Anthony de Sa, who heads the DRS scheme administrator committee, said, “DRS, while incentivising waste collectors, also aims to drive social behavioural change towards waste disposal by consumers, and packaging by all product manufacturers. The scheme will begin with materials of monetary value, such as PET bottles and beer bottles, before progressing to low-value waste, such as crisps packets, chocolate wrappers and juice cartons.”Carlos Souza, convenor, Confederation of Indian Industries CII panel on Tourism said, “Glass litter on beaches is a threat to safety. It affects how tourists experience Goa and how residents use public spaces.”
