Kerala's Idea Of No-Waste & Environment-Friendly Weddings: Awards For Those Who Abide By Rules

The Kolayad Panchayat in Kannur has come with a new protocol that aims at sensitising people towards the environment by linking the issuance of marriage certificates to a ‘no-waste marriage’, reports Manorama Online.

Newlyweds would not be handed over their marriage certificates if their marriage did not conform to the environment-friendly rules laid down by the panchayat.

The initiative ‘Maalinyamillatha Mangalyam‘ (no-waste weddings) by the panchayat was aimed at saving the surroundings from the growing wastes of plastics and other disposable items.

Initially, the rule was applicable for only marriages, but later it was extended to all such events that would involve the participation of hundred or more people.

The event organisers are to take prior permission from the Panchayat, failing which a fine of Rs 10,000 would be slapped on them.

The bride and groom, whose marriage has abided by all the rules and have conducted a ‘waste-free’ marriage would be given a memento.

Initially, some protests were staged by the locals against the new set of regulations of the Kolayad Panchayat. But now, the protests have paved the way for acceptance. The ‘Harithakarma Sena’ has been of help as they have been providing plantain leaves and steel plates and glasses.

The panchayat has been successful in doing away not just with plastic plates and bags but also flex boards and plastic banners. They also intend to stop the usage of the plastic pens and bottles in school.

From 1 November, the panchayat is also bringing up rules for new buildings. According to the law, the applicants will have to plant five trees for a building to be constructed on a five cent plot. The application should have a photograph of the plants attached. During the numbering stage of buildings, another set of photos of those trees.

The Logical Indian appreciates the ingenuity of the move by the Kolayad Panchayat that aims to bring to about a positive change in the society We hope many more local panchayats take inspiration from this one.