Kollam: Now, mosques too implement green protocol

KOLLAM: In a reformative step emphasising the need for environmental conservation, Muslim religious institutions including mosques in the district have decided to abide by green protocol norms. The decision has been taken by the leaders of various Muslim organisations at a meeting convened by the Suchitwa Mission in Kollam. The green protocol will be implemented in all mosques and in religious festivals, in accordance with the directives of Jam’ath committees. These organisations will take the initiative to introduce green protocol norms to the believers under respective jama’aths in the district. The mosques, educational institutions, and even ceremonies that are conducted will strictly follow green protocol.

The organisations have decided to avoid disposable glasses and to use reusable steel, clay, and glass vessels for programmes including annual public meetings, iftar feasts, food donations, and other religious celebrations. The jama’ath committees will also be asked to ensure implementation of the green protocol in private functions including marriage functions of believers. As part of going green, the use of flex hoardings and plastic decorations will also be avoided in associated private and public functions under these jama’aths.

“We have planned to implement this prior to the upcoming holy month of Ramzan. Religious leaders have taken up the issue even as the holy book of Quran itself urges not to throw waste in the open or in water bodies and to always keep the pathways clean. They have agreed to completely cooperate in realising the Swachh Bharat - Harita Keralam Missions,” G. Krishnakumar, District Coordinator, Suchitwa Mission Kollam, told DC.

Representatives of various Muslim organisations including Dakshina Kerala Jamaath Federation, All India Imams Council, SYS, Kerala Muslim Jamaath, Jama’ath e Islami, National Muslim Council, and KMCC took part in the meeting convened by the Mission seeking support for its operation under the Harita Keralam Mission. The district administration has also implemented the plastic ban in accordance with the centre’s Plastic waste (management and handling) rules of 2016. The implementation of the ban has been entrusted to respective LSGDs.