Kerala all set to become plastic-free

An ambitious programme to make Kerala free from plastic waste will be launched by the government through an anti-plastic drive on October 2, Gandhi Jayanti day.

As part of the campaign, plastic waste accumulated in houses and institutions will be collected under the aegis of urban civic bodies and be recycled for good use.

Chief Minister Oommen Chandy will inaugurate the drive at Martyrs Column here on the day in the presence of a number of dignitaries including noted singer K J Yesudas and poet Sugathakumari.

Plastic waste across the state would be handed over to the ‘Clean Kerala Company,’ an initiative of the state government, for recycling, Urban Affairs department officials here said.

The company would receive the plastic waste after paying Rs two per kg, they said.

People from various walks of life, including students, volunteers of women’s Self Help Group ‘Kudumbashree’, NGOs and public servants will participate in the drive.

State Minister for Urban Affairs and Minority Welfare Manjalamkuzhi Ali said here that elected representatives would launch the drive in other civic bodies across the state.

The government also planned to set up plastic processing centres in major corporations and municipalities as part of the second phase of the campaign, he said.

The first such centre, which can process five tonnes of plastic daily, would be opened in Kochi next month, the minister added.