Election Commission enforces environment-friendly guidelines for Lok Sabha polls

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Election Commission has issued guidelines to conduct the Lok Sabha elections in an environment-friendly manner. The Commission aims to minimize waste by implementing the Green Management Code and selecting only environmentally friendly materials for election activities. A total of 25,358 booths and campaign materials of political parties in the state can only utilize fully recyclable materials.

The primary recommendation is to explore maximum digital possibilities for the campaign. In addition to prohibiting flux boards and banners, polypropylene boards, and banners resembling fabric, the guidelines suggest using boards and banners made from cotton cloth or fabric and paper composites. Propaganda materials must be crafted from nature-friendly materials.

Plastic-free flags are mandated, while single-use plastic bottles for drinking water and decorative items made of thermocol, including arches, are also excluded from usage. Post-polling, flagpoles and campaign materials must be dismantled, sorted, and handed over to Haritha Karma Sena or other authorized agencies for proper disposal. District Election Officers will take legal action against any use of prohibited products.

During the preparation of polling booths:

- Drinking water dispensers should be provided, along with steel or bottle glasses for drinking water.

- Waste sorting bins should be placed, with agreements made with Green Karma Sena for waste removal.

- Food should not be distributed in plastic containers or bags.

Expected waste: More than 5000 tonnes

Permissible materials include cotton cloth, boards made of wood or metal, food items wrapped in banana leaves, flower garlands and cotton thread.

Materials to avoid: Plastic and thermocol in any form

To implement the Green Code of Conduct, contact Green Kerala Mission and Sanitation Mission District Offices.