International Film Festival of Kerala is unlikely to follow green protocol

Thiruvananthapuram: The 22nd International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK) is unlikely to be a green festival, though it had set out to be one just like the 35th National Games, Attukal Pongala and other major events in Thiruvananthapuram. Tagore Theatre, one of the festival venues, proudly displays thermocol cut-outs and flexboards. On Thursday, tea was served in plastic cups to IFFK volunteers undergoing training. When DC asked IFFK director Kamal about green protocol, he said that they will speak to caterers to ensure that plastic is avoided. “We will also announce over mics to avoid plastic,” he said.

Incidentally, Tagore was the only IFFK venue where an agency was assigned to implement green protocol. Green protocol is a concept that aims to reduce use of disposable waste, by avoiding the use of plastic and paper cups, and reducing littering. However, it is learnt that the discussions on the protocol took place towards the end, delaying communication to the concerned persons.

Now, the only few things that can be ensured are segregation of organic and inorganic waste, and restrict the use of plastic bottles on campus. Usually, at venues where the protocol is implemented, volunteers are posted at entrance to ensure visitors who bring plastic bottles don’t litter it. Steel cups and plates are made available at the venue. It is not sure whether this would be possible.