Ban on plastic bags in shops near Chottanikkara temple mooted

The Environment Department has suggested a ban on plastic covers and carry bags in all shops in and around Chottanikkara temple.

The recommendation forms part of the efforts to check plastic menace and implement green protocol in all institutions and religious places (especially during festivals) under the local body. Chottanikkara figures among the 48 model local bodies in the State identified for adopting sustainable waste management practices.

The department has suggested that the ban on plastic covers and carry bags be applicable to the flower vendors nearby the temple. The Local Self-Government Department has proposed awareness campaigns on the need for implementing green protocol in view of the heavy rush of visitors experienced at the temple. Boards related to the steps to be taken to ensure a clean and hygienic atmosphere will be displayed in different languages. The Pollution Control Board had reported that the temple authorities were yet to set up a sewage treatment plant even though the board had issued its consent.

Ramani Janakan, president of Chottanikkara grama panchayat, said that the use of plastic had come down in areas under the local body. Members of Haritha Sena, entrusted with the responsibility of the collection of non-biodegradable waste, had been visiting 14 wards under the panchayat on a regular basis, she said.

The local body’s Haritha Karma Sena has a group of 28 women from Kudumbashree units. The panchayat had said that a decentralised aerobic composting facility had been installed in its own land for processing biodegradable waste. Cameras have been installed at select locations to prevent illegal dumping of waste.

The waste management programme is being implemented with the support of the Haritha Keralam Mission, Suchitwa Mission, Integrated Rural Technology Centre and Clean Kerala Company. Waste is being collected every month from 4,800 houses and offices in all 14 wards of the panchayat.

Plastic and other inorganic waste materials will be sent to the material collection facility centre. Waste will be collected from within the local body limits during the first 10 days of the month. The remaining days will be used to sort the waste into different grades of plastics.