Kerala government has decided to implement Green Protocol policy during religious festivals strictly. The festivals in the southern state will go eco-friendly irrespective of religious lines. The state Suchitwa mission has approached religious leaders in this regard, and they received positive feedback.

“Green Protocol is based on three principles – reduce, reuse and recycle. We have to change our habits first. We aim to reduce piles of garbage by creating awareness among the devotees and promoting green practices,” said CV Joy, Suchitwa Mission Director (Operations) to The Logical Indian. He added that a discussion with mosque committee was held last week.

The Suchitwa Mission had already implemented the green protocol during Attukal Pongala last year. This time the authorities have urged the devotees to bring cloth bags. CV joy said that the Suchitwa Mission would begin the preparations one or two months before the commencement of festivals after holding discussions with mayors, elected representatives, religious and local leaders.

The state Suchitwa Mission started implementing the green protocol during the 2015 National Games hosted by the state. “Now we are in full swing to implement the same during various religious festivals like Attukal Pongala, Thrissur Pooram, Maramon Convention, and other religious festivals. We have asked the devotees to donate plates and glass before Pongala commences. The mission will soon open counters at various points around the Attukal Devi Temple to collect reusable and washable utensils,” said CV Joy.

Organizations providing free food during festivals were asked to avoid plastic plates and glass. “During the last Attukal Pongala, 100 tons of plastic garbages were removed. This time, with the effective implementation of the green protocol, we hope that the amount will be reduced,” he added.