Plastic-free elections: Eco-friendly rules for campaigning in Kerala

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Plastic will be avoided as much as possible, and strict green protocols will be followed for the upcoming local body elections. Only eco-friendly and recyclable materials can be used for campaigning and for election-related activities. From campaigning to post-poll clean-up, the green protocol must be followed. Unauthorised boards, banners, flags, arches and hoardings cannot be placed in public spaces.

Strict legal action will be taken against anyone using banned materials or violating the green protocols. At the local body level, the secretary will form a special enforcement squad. Action will also be taken against establishments that produce posters, banners, boards or other campaign items using prohibited materials. After polling, candidates and political parties must hand over campaign materials and waste to the Haritha Karma Sena along with the user fee. If they fail to remove these items, the local body secretary will clear them and recover the cost from the candidate. Failure to manage waste will be treated as the personal responsibility of the candidate.

Green protocols must be strictly followed at polling booths, distribution centres, counting stations and training centres. These locations must have bins for segregating waste and ensure the service of the Haritha Karma Sena for waste removal. Plastic food packets are completely banned for meals provided to polling officials and agents. Instead, food should be served on banana leaves or in reusable containers. Kudumbashree catering units will arrange this, under the direction of the Executive Director of the Kudumbashree Mission.

No plastic, no PVC

• Boards, banners, flags and other decorations used for election campaigning must be free of plastic and PVC.
• Only natural and eco-friendly materials like 100% cotton, paper and polyethylene can be used.
• Banned plastic items must not be used at polling booths. Plastic bottles should be avoided for food and drinking water.