logo
Suchitwa Mission to step up activities to reduce plastic use

Suchitwa Mission to step up activities to reduce plastic use

The Hindu02-07-2025
The Suchitwa Mission in collaboration with local bodies will be stepping up its activities to reduce the use and availability of plastic carry bags, as part of the observance of International Plastic Bag Free Day on July 3, said a press release on Wednesday.
The State government has already banned several products, including single-use plastic bags, to pave the way for reducing plastic use.
Haritha Karma Sena
Currently, 37,894 Haritha Karma Sena members are working in various local self-government institutions to collect inorganic waste, including plastic waste, and scientifically dispose of it through the Clean Kerala Company.
Suchitwa Mission Executive Director U.V. Jose urged the public to participate in the activities to make the State plastic-free by properly classifying waste and handing it over to the Haritha Karma Sena members, reusing plastic products as much as possible, using alternatives like cloth bags for shopping, and participating in activities to remove plastic waste from public places, beaches, waterbodies, markets and office premises.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Govt instructs local bodies to ensure green protocol for Onam celebrations
Govt instructs local bodies to ensure green protocol for Onam celebrations

Time of India

time6 days ago

  • Time of India

Govt instructs local bodies to ensure green protocol for Onam celebrations

Thiruvananthapuram : The govt has instructed all local bodies and other agencies to ensure that this year's Onam celebrations fully comply with green protocol. Using plastic for floral decorations and flags is prohibited. During celebrations in institutions and offices, plastic leaves, plates and cups should be avoided. Street vendors and others are also advised not to use single-use plastic bags, cups, or plates for distributing goods and food items. As per a circular from local self-govt department, local self-govt institutions must ensure compliance with these guidelines. Public spaces should be kept as clean as possible. Authorities of local bodies were instructed to ensure that adequate waste bins were installed everywhere. The govt is planning this year's celebrations on the theme 'Mahabali, the Emperor of Cleanliness.' On Aug 16, a public cleanliness campaign will be organised by local bodies to clean all public places. Various clubs and residents' associations will be involved in the programme. Govt institutions, residents' associations, commercial establishments, apartment complexes and arts and sports clubs that organise Onam celebrations following green protocols would be awarded at the local level. The best clubs will receive a green certificate based on the recommendation of an enforcement committee led by health inspector. Awards will also be given to best panchayat and municipality at the district level. Waste should be minimised and eco-friendly materials should be used instead of banned plastic items, said U V Jose, Suchitwa Mission executive director. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and s ilver prices in your area.

Local bodies told to ensure a ‘green Onam'
Local bodies told to ensure a ‘green Onam'

The Hindu

time29-07-2025

  • The Hindu

Local bodies told to ensure a ‘green Onam'

The Local Self-Government department has issued directions to local bodies regarding waste management measures to ensure a 'green Onam.' 'Haritha Onam' will be incorporated in the branding of the Onam celebrations by local bodies across the State this year. A door-to-door campaign to create awareness on waste management will be carried out with Mahabali presented as the 'King of Cleanliness.' In a circular issued on Tuesday, the department asked the local bodies to prepare action plans to weave in ideas on waste management to their respective Onam celebration programmes. The local bodies have to ensure timely collection of waste, especially from commercial centres, and also ensure that the commercial establishments have separate waste bins for segregated waste collection. Temporary common composting arrangements can be made under each local body considering the huge amounts of biodegradable waste that will be produced. The community bio waste processing bins have to be cleared and prepared to meet the demands during the festival season. Similarly, the material collection facilities have to be cleared up foreseeing the non biodegradable waste produced during the season. More waste bins Street hawkers and other temporary commercial establishments which function only during the festival period also should be factored in while planning for waste management. More waste bins have to be placed in areas where crowds are generally seen during the Onam festivities. A charge officer has to be given the responsibility of ensuring periodic cleaning. Various institutions, offices and organisations have to be sensitised to not use banned plastic products for decorations as part of Onam. The local bodies have to organise meetings with traders' representatives to make them aware of the green protocol. Plastic cups, plates, artificial plantain leaf and spoons have to be avoided for Onam Sadya. Steps also have to be taken to promote alternative products to plastic carry bags, such as cloth bags. All non-biodegradable waste, except e-waste and sanitary waste, have to be collected as part of door-stop collection from households before Onam. Vehicles for collection of waste and shifting to the material collection facilities on the same day have to be ensured for all Haritha Karma Sena units. The local bodies have to distribute awards to government and private institutions, commercial establishments, residents' associations and flat complexes which excel in waste management efforts.

Kerala govt plans tax incentive to boost source-level waste management
Kerala govt plans tax incentive to boost source-level waste management

New Indian Express

time26-07-2025

  • New Indian Express

Kerala govt plans tax incentive to boost source-level waste management

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The state government is planning to introduce a 5% discount on property tax for households with source-level waste management systems in a bid to encourage people to adopt processing of biodegradable garbage at the place of origin. Disposal of biodegradable waste remains a major challenge for the local self-government department (LSGD) and its source-level management remains low despite the state government's flagship cleanliness campaign, 'Malinya Muktha Nava Keralam'. A recent survey by the LSGD revealed that only 23% of households currently manage waste at source, prompting the government to think about incentives to woo the people to its processing at place of origin. The survey launched by the Suchitwa Mission in 94.58 lakh households found that only 25.12 lakh households possess some kind of waste management infrastructure like kitchen bins, ring compost, biogas plant or composting pits. LSGD Minister M B Rajesh told TNIE that the 5% discount is under government's serious consideration. 'Though the (Malinya Muktha Nava Keralam) campaign helped the local bodies in improving overall waste management, it failed to generate the expected impact on households. We want more households to adopt source-level waste management systems,' he said. Centralised waste management facilities are only for major cities and will focus only on bulk waste generators, Rajesh said. 'A final decision on the tax discount will be announced next week after analysing its financial impact on the local bodies,' the minister added.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store