Thiruvananthapuram: The shiny steel tiffin boxes, which many women devotees held in their hands while standing in the ‘Annadanam’ queues, signalled how far the message of Green Protocol had spread. Shylaja, who came from Pulimath near Kilimanoor, said that she heard about it from television channels. The corporation had celebrities like actor Mohanlal and magician Gopinath Muthucaud to speak in favour of the Green Protocol. In addition, the civic body had sought the help of temple authorities to spread the message.
There were instructions to not bring disposables, and bring only steel plates and cups, on the festival programme notices. “From the reports I received, one major difference from the previous years is that, the devotees themselves were carrying steel plates and cups,” says, mayor V.K. Prasanth. Corporation had earlier said that there was a reduction in the amount of waste after green protocol was declared last year. This time too, the amount of garbage generated seemed to be less, according to Mr Prasanth. “When I travelled via Kowdiar, Nanthancodu, Pipinmoodu and Peroorkada, the waste collected there seemed to be lesser. Actual amount is yet to be ascertained. Torches used to light the kilns were donated to a convent at Sasthamangalam,” he says.
However, disposables were being used at several Annandanam counters. When asked about this, he said that 25 organisations which registered with corporation followed Green Protocol. “There were a few exceptions, where organisers talked about practical difficulties. Moreover, some organisations which were not registered also Annadanam. We did not want to stop them, and spoil the festival mood,” he said.
