Implementation of ‘Green protocol’ in pilgrim centres

KOCHI: The district administration is all geared up to implement a green protocol at pilgrim centres and festivals in places of worship. The ‘green protocol’ successful implementation during the annual festive season at Thiruvairanikkulam Temple near Kalady has prompted the district administration to explore such a possibility.

The ongoing Thiruvairanikkulam Temple festival has set a model of sorts by strictly following a green protocol ensuring that roads and temple premises remain clean despite lakhs of devotees flocking to the temple for the 12-day opening. District Collector K. Mohammed Y. Safirulla reviewed the implementation of the green protocol and encouraged the volunteers on the field. He said that more than cleanliness, the Thiruvairanikkulam experiment propagated the significance of a green lifestyle. Following green protocol decision was taken unanimously at a meeting convened by Mr Safirulla ahead of the temple season. The follow-up measures to implement the decision were taken by ‘Suchitwa Mission’ and ‘Haritha Kerala Mission’ and were assisted by an order issued by the Collector enforcing green protocol. The use of plastic and disposable plates and glasses were banned in regards to the issued order. Suchitwa Mission opened a special cell at the entry point of the temple itself. The initiative to put in place a scientific system along the lines of the one at Technopark in Thiruvananthapuram for the segregation and treatment of waste was taken by the temple organizing committee. A Centre for separating and sending non-biodegradable waste to the treatment point had been set up within the temple premises. The panchayat also chipped in for the timely movement of non-biodegradable waste. Plans are now afoot to set up a plant for the treatment of wastewater to facilitate its reuse before the next pilgrimage season.