Thiruvananthapuram: Water in shiny, clear plastic bottles is the last thing one would expect at 'Loka Kerala Sabha,' an event organised by a government which supposedly supports green protocol. In contrast, 'Vasantholsavam,' a flower show being conducted at Kanakakkunnu as part of 'Loka Kerala Sabha,' has managed to implement green protocol better.
Neither Suchitwa Mission nor Haritha Keralam Mission was given the responsibility to ensure green protocol at 'Loka Kerala Sabha.' When asked about the use of bottled water, Haritha Keralam Mission vice-chairperson T.N. Seema said, "it should not have happened. We will look into what went wrong."
After all, this was the government which ensured that tea was served in steel cups at its swearing-in ceremony. Offering water in glasses to a 351-member assembly of non-resident Keralites, legislatures and members of parliament should have been a cakewalk for the government which managed to convince lakhs at Attukal Pongala to reduce their plastic use. (Later, the campaign's success was counted not just in the tonnes of plastic reduced, but the generous numbers of steel plates and cups, which believers donated.)
Meanwhile at 'Vasantholsavam,' where hundreds are dropping in, 'Green Army' volunteers posted at the entrance have been checking each person for plastic bottles. Outlets serving food on the grounds have been strictly instructed by Thiruvananthapuram corporation and Suchitwa Mission not to use disposable plates and cups. Still, some have been flouting rules. A squad led by corporation officials has been regularly conducting raids on these shops. On Thursday, around 15 kg of plastic was seized.
Environmentalists have pointed out how the forest department stall had models of wild animals made of foamed plastic polymers. Some stalls have flex banners. It is learnt that the message about green protocol was not conveyed on time. The green protocol committee had its first meeting only a few weeks ago, according to sources.
