Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Excise Minister M Liju on Friday stated that the decision by Kerala State Beverages Corporation (Bevco) to halt the collection of returned plastic liquor bottles is merely a temporary pause, adding that the government will later consider a more robust mechanism to enhance the scheme's efficacy.

He made the comments in response to media inquiries regarding a recent directive issued by Bevco Managing Director Yogesh Gupta instructing retail outlets to cease accepting returned plastic alcohol bottles.

The recycling deposit scheme was initiated last year as a pilot program across 20 Bevco branches located in Thiruvananthapuram and Kannur.

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Under the initiative, patrons buying alcohol in plastic bottles paid a refundable deposit of Rs 20, which was reimbursed upon returning the empty container.

"Plastic waste is indeed a major issue in the state. At present, the Clean Kerala Mission is collecting and removing these plastic bottles. So far, around 1.25 crore bottles have been collected," Liju told reporters.

He suggested that the Bevco Managing Director, who recently assumed the post, likely issued the order in response to operational concerns highlighted by staff in the circular.

"The scheme currently exists only in 20 outlets. The previous government had decided to expand it across the state, but that could not be implemented. We will examine the entire issue seriously," he said.

The minister affirmed that the administration aims to establish a dependable system to ensure the bottle-return model delivers maximum environmental and social benefit.

"Our intention is to introduce a mechanism that works efficiently and ensures greater public benefit. We will take an appropriate decision after examining all aspects," he said.

Liju hinted that the program might be restructured following the high-volume Onam festive shopping period, which represents Bevco's peak sales period.

Earlier on Friday, the minister presided over a conference at Bevco headquarters to review operations at the state-run liquor retailer and outline future strategies.

PTI