Assembly polls to be a 'green' affair in Kerala district

PATHANAMTHITTA (KER): The Assembly polls on May 16 will be a 'green' and zero-waste affair in Pathanamthitta district of Kerala, with the state-run 'Suchitwa Mission' implementing strict guidelines to achieve the goal.

The Mission has decided to implement the 'green protocol' in the district with the support of the district administration and district election office.

The initiative aims at creating a zero-waste zone in all the election venues including polling booths, election offices, distribution and reception and counting centres besides campaign spots.

The mission also recommends avoiding usage of non-biodegradables and to promote maximum use of reusable/recyclable materials for campaign.

Under the initiative, all stakeholders would be sensitized on responsible waste management and aims at declaring all the venues as 'green venues' during the election season.

To implement the plan, a 3500-member-strong 'green volunteer force', would be formed with the support of National Service Scheme, Student Police Cadet, National Cadet Corps, Kudumbashree, National Savings, Red Cross, Nehru Yuva Kendra and other social organizations in the district.

Green volunteers will be deputed to watch and keep the permissible limit of polling booths free from any disposables.

Suchitwa Mission successfully implemented the 'green protocol' in the National Games 2015, State School 'Kalotsavam 2015,' 'Green Election' in Kannur(civic polls during 2015) and also during 'Attukal Pongala' 2016.