The Dharwad district administration has chalked out plans to hold the 84th All India Kannada Sahitya Sammelan scheduled here in January as a plastic-free event.
Deputy Commissioner M. Deepa told The Hindu here on Tuesday that the district administration has initiated this step to set an example by holding this mega literary event in an eco-friendly manner.
She said that the main stress would be on replacing plastic-made material with those made using natural ingredients. As the sammelan approaches, politicians, organisations, individuals and others would display flexes conveying greetings and wishes. Here, the district administration has asked the stakeholders to shun using plastic-made flexes. The flex manufacturers too have been told not to manufacture flex using plastic.
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The authorities would take action against those manufacturing or displaying plastic-made flexes. The officials would remove and seize such material. During the sammelan procession also, only natural flowers, leaves and material made of paper and natural ingredients would be used for decoration, she said.
The University of Agricultural Sciences (UAS) campus, which is the venue of the sammelan, too would be declared plastic-free zone. No plastic-made material would be used either to decorate the main stage or for any other purpose. At the food courts too, only paper cups and arecanut leaf plates would be allowed.
This apart, operators of book and commercial stalls too have been told to use only paper and cloth-made banners, bags and other such material and avoid using plastic. Already, one meeting with different stakeholders has been conducted and they have been apprised of this decision. One more meeting would be held with pro-Kannada organisations and others shortly. Anyway, the directions prohibiting the use of plastic would be implemented firmly, she added.
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Ms. Deepa said that the owners of hotels, grocery shops and other such establishments have promised cooperation. The district administration also seeks cooperation from the public. They have been requested to shun disposing of waste indiscriminately, maintain cleanliness and draw Rangolis on the day of the procession.
Free ride
A release issued by the Department of Information and Public Relations has said that at a meeting convened by the Deputy Commissioner here on Monday, Hubballi Autorickshaw Association office-bearers have offered to ferry free passengers coming from outside the State and the district to attend the sammelan from the Hubballi Railway Station to the Bus Station.