Kerala Government implements 'green protocol' for weddings

  The Government of Kerala has implemented a ‘green protocol’ to make auspicious occasions such as weddings more nature-friendly.

With the implementation of the protocol, the use of plastic and other non-degradable articles including disposable glasses, plates and thermocol decorations would be prohibited at marriage functions.

Instead, people would be encouraged to use tumblers, plates and utensils made from glass and other environment-friendly metals.

Key Highlights

• To ensure proper implementation of the protocol, inspections will be held at marriage halls, convention centres, hotels and other venues of the wedding ceremony.

• Special squads, comprising officials of Suchitwa Mission and revenue department, have been formed to carry out inspections in wedding halls and record the ceremony.

• Strict action would be taken in case of any violation based on the nature of utensils and articles found.

• Suchitwa Mission', the state nodal agency for sanitation, has already launched the initiative on a pilot basis in some districts of the state including Kannur, Ernakulam, Kollam and Alappuzha.

• The government has sought cooperation of the owners of marriage halls and convention centres for effective implementation of the protocol.

• The main objective behind the initiative is to reduce the use of plastic in daily life. Plastic articles including glasses and plates are used in large numbers during functions, especially marriage ceremonies in the state.

Speaking on the occasion, C V Joy, Director (Operations), Suchitwa Mission, said that the green-protocol was launched as a part of the government's anti-plastic drive and Green-Kerala Mission.

He added that saying that though we can reuse, recycle and reduce plastic, there will not be much decline in its presence and so, reducing its use is the more effective way to achieve our plastic-free society goal.

The Mission has joined hands with district administration, panchayat authorities and socio-cultural and religious outfit for the green-protocol initiative.