T’puram: The state’s Onam celebrations this year set an example in waste management through extensive implementation of the Green Protocol, with the Suchitwa Mission leading the Haritha Onam 2026 campaign.A Green Protocol sub-committee was constituted to coordinate the activities, prepare plans and issue guidelines to various Onam celebration committees. Awareness programmes were also organised across the state under the Haritha Onam 2026 branding.A notable initiative was the waste-art pookkalam created using discarded materials in Malappuram. In Thiruvananthapuram, green volunteers were trained and deployed at various Onam celebration venues in collaboration with Thiruvananthapuram Corporation and local self-govt institutions to regulate the use of plastic.The services of Haritha Karma Sena members and sanitation workers were ensured at the venues. Separate bins were installed for the collection of biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste, while reusable utensils were arranged in food festival areas to reduce disposable plastic use.A Maveli procession carrying the message of a green and sustainable Onam was also organised as part of the campaign.As part of the waste management drive, 2,200kg of non-biodegradable waste and 5,200kg of biodegradable waste were collected from Onam celebration venues and surrounding areas in the state capital and scientifically processed.The measures significantly reduced the volume of waste generated during the celebrations. Although the venues, which attracted more than 50,000 people a day, had the potential to generate over 500 tonnes of waste, adherence to Green Protocol helped bring the quantity down to around 200 tonnes.The initiatives demonstrated that large-scale public celebrations can be organised while minimising their environmental impact through effective waste segregation, collection and scientific processing.
