Kerala: Green weddings may soon become a mainstream phenomenon if the state government has its way. As part of a plan to popularize eco-friendly and zero waste marriages, the government has begun discussions with religious and social organizations.
The programme will be implemented with the support of local bodies and the Suchitwa Mission.
It is learnt that the successful implementation of green protocol in major events such as the National Games, and religious festivals like the Attukala Ponkala and the Malayatoor Church festival, with support from the Suchitwa Mission, inspired the government to give a fresh push for plastic-free and zero waste weddings.
As part of the programme, the district administrations in Kannur, Idukki and Ernakulam have already launched awareness programmes on green weddings with assistance from Shuchitwa Mission authorities in these regions.
The Suchitwa Mission authorities in Idukki have sought the support of churches for the initiative.
Minster for local self-government K T Jaleel will seek the support of the state Waqfboard for the programme .
C V Joy, state director (operations) of Suchitwa Mission, said though the initiative mainly focuses on wedding parties, religious festivals, including Iftar meets in the month of Ramadan, also would come under the programme.
“People should be aware of the environmental impact of the huge quantity of waste, including plastic products, generated in lavish weddings and other parties. They should be ready to stop using disposable items such as plates and water bottles,” he said, adding that the Suchitwa Mission will launch campaigns in each district and that its representatives will attend local-level meetings of religious and social organizations to educate the public.
“The churches in Idukki have already offered their support for the initiative and we are also expecting the Waqf board to join us. The district administrations of Kannur and Alappuzha have formally urged the public to follow green protocol during wedding parties and other functions,” Joy said.
(source: Times of India)