Imagine not being issued your marriage certificate if you serve your guests food on plastic plates!
The Kolad panchayat in Kannur district of Kerala is taking its green weddings mission one step ahead with new rules, after its initiative ‘Maalinyamillatha Mangalyam’ which translates to no-waste weddings, became a huge success, reports Manorama Online.
While these green norms set by the panchayat were only applicable to wedding feasts, the rules were later extended to almost all events that see over 100 guests in attendance. The protocol is to fill out a form and submit an application to the panchayat.
The rationale is to avoid environmental damage due to the increased usage of plastic and other disposable waste items.
The stringent rules slap a fine of Rs 10,000 on organisers who do not inform the panchayat of an event which caters to more than 100 guests. A smooth sailing event and a marriage certificate in hand are ensured only when the panchayat monitors that the green protocol has been followed.
All newly-wed couples and event organisers who comply with the norms will be awarded a memento by the panchayat.
But the road to setting these rules and ensuring compliance wasn’t easy, most people protested. But most of their crockery related worries were resolved by the ‘Harithakarma Sena,’ who provide plantain leaves and steel plates and glasses.
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Today, the village proudly boasts of not only doing away with plastic plates and cups but also flex boards and plastic banners.
The next thing on their list includes avoiding the use of plastic pens and bottles in schools too.
Also, green rules for new buildings will come into effect from November 1. As per the rules, applicants will have to plant five trees for every building constructed in a five cent plot and attach a photograph of the plants with their applications. The numbering stage of buildings will demand another picture to monitor the growth of trees.