Green Protocol heralds hope for Thiruvananthapuram

Thiruvananthapuram: Thiruvananthapuram corporation’s ban on plastic carry bags below 50 microns must have brought to many a feeling of cynicism. However, unlike the plastic bans imposed in the state earlier, the situation is different this time, say experts.

For one, the people have been primed for such a ban, through the corporation’s year-long ‘Ente Nagaram, Sundara Nagaram’ campaign, says Shibu K. Nair, programme director, Thanal. “Now, in many of the meetings which the corporation has with stakeholders, the public themselves are demanding ways to limit the use of plastic. The corporation has been successful in creating such an atmosphere,” he says.

Caterers and hotels were consulted before the corporation announced its ban and their response was positive. One reason for the people’s heightened sensitivity could be Operation Anantha, he says. It had revealed how badly plastics clogged the drains.

He feels that the success of the Green Protocol in big events like the National Games,  State School Arts Festival, Attukal Pongala and  the swearing-in of the LDF government is a sign of the times to come. “The corporation has been doing an intensive campaign towards better waste management for three months now. For these reasons the people are sensitised to the change that is about to happen,” he says.

However, the city is still burning plastic. As long as the city residents are not segregating plastic for recycling, the ban may not be a solution, says WWF state director Renjan Mathew Varghese. “The government needs to work on creating more awareness,” he adds.