Suchitwa Mission launches intensive drive to enforce green protocol for local body polls

The District Suchitwa Mission has launched an intensive drive to ensure adherence to the green protocol during campaigning and on polling days for the upcoming local body elections. The campaign, themed ‘Let’s win the election without defeating the environment,’ is being implemented with the cooperation of political parties, election officials, the public, and the Haritha Karma Sena (HKS).

District Suchitwa Mission Coordinator Ragesh E.T. told The Hindu on Sunday (November 23) that elaborate plans have been prepared to create awareness among the public about the green protocol and its guidelines. “Our first aim is to reduce waste generation as much as possible. The second is to ensure that political campaigns remain eco-friendly,” Mr. Ragesh said.

As part of the initiative, the District Collector flagged off a ‘Vote Yatra’ on Tuesday (November 18) to spread awareness, particularly in the rural parts of the district. A meeting with representatives of political parties was held on Saturday (November 22) to sensitise them to the green protocol and the Model Code of Conduct. “This year, the green protocol is part of the Model Code of Conduct in a statutory manner, unlike previous years when it was only advisory. This is expected to significantly strengthen our campaign,” he added.

Parties have been instructed to use only campaign materials made of paper, pure cotton or polyethylene. Decorations must be crafted from paper or natural materials such as coconut leaves. Poly-cotton materials have been banned, and shops selling campaign items are under strict surveillance. Special enforcement squads have conducted two rounds of inspections in the city and seized campaign materials made of prohibited items. “We even plan to offer an incentive to parties that use polyethylene materials, which can be recycled. They will receive ₹5 per kg for such materials from the Haritha Karma Sena after the elections,” Mr. Ragesh said.

Polling officials have also been trained to maintain the green protocol at booths. Instead of water bottles, 20-litre water dispensers will be used, and waste bins made of coconut leaves will be provided. Each local body will set up at least one ‘Green Booth’.

The Mission has also launched awareness programmes featuring stage artists who dress in various roles and move through public spaces to engage people. Any violation of the green protocol may be reported through WhatsApp at 9446700800, enabling the Mission to take action against violators.