he Suchitwa Mission of the State government, with its four-pronged sanitation strategy of ‘Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Recover,’ is planning to free Sabarimala of plastic waste.
The Cabinet has approved the project proposal. Suchitwa Mission Director K. Vasuki and a team of experts visited Pampa and Erumely as part of the project on Thursday.
“Our mission is to make the pilgrims aware of the need to avoid plastic. The Mission is planning a public awareness campaign in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Maharashtra, Goa, and Gujarat with the help of Ayyappa devotees’ forums and the State governments,” says Ms. Vasuki. She said the Mission had prepared a protocol that entailed reduced use of disposable items and promoted reusable cups, plates, and bags.
The Mission proposed a scientific waste management system and improved sanitation facility by providing adequate toilets.
Water kiosks
Around 250 water kiosks would be opened at base camps of Sabarimala. Biodegradable plates made of areca spathes and cloth bags would be sold at these kiosks, she said.
Ms. Vasuki said the protocol would be implemented only after obtaining permission from the High Court and after consultations with stakeholders at Sabarimala.
