Dates announced for Onam week celebrations; Festival zone from Kowdiar to Manacaud

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: This year's state-level Onam celebrations will begin on September 13 in Thiruvananthapuram. The week-long program will conclude on the 19th with a procession. A meeting was held under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan to discuss matters related to this.

Onam fairs, Onam markets, vegetable counters, special sales promotion gift schemes, Onam special procurement marketing activities etc. will be organised. Supplyco was tasked with this. Horticorp's special vegetable markets will be launched. Kudumbashree markets will be organized in maximum number of centers in all districts. Subsidized markets will be started under the auspices of Consumer Fed with the help of the Cooperative Department.

Regional Onam Markets and Cooperative Markets will be started under the leadership of Primary Cooperatives. Steps will be taken to produce as many vegetables as possible in Kerala itself.

Distribution of free kits to AAY groups, distribution of special sugar, midday meal scheme for school children and special kits to tribal groups will be distributed before Onam. The Chief Minister directed the Chief Secretary to intensify necessary checks to control hoarding, black market etc.

A float of all departments will be prepared. The Chief Minister suggested that the cultural programs should be conducted in a cost-effective manner. Kowdiar to Manacaud will be declared as festival zone in connection with Onam week celebration.

Police will take special care and preparations to avoid untoward incidents. Necessary security arrangements will be made for the tourists. Transportation arrangements should be planned in advance. Be clear about vehicle parking. Special checks will be conducted to strictly control possession, consumption and distribution of intoxicants.

Inspections will be tightened to ensure that banned plastic products are not in the market. Single-use throwaway products and packets will be discouraged as much as possible. Cloth bags, paper bags etc. should be ensured in all shops and markets. The Chief Minister also suggested that the Local Self-Government Department should ensure that arrangements are made for the disposal of organic and non-organic waste generated on a daily basis.