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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.