Close
Igniting Ideas For impact

Embarking on a transformative journey through six chapters, we traverse India's landscape, exploring pioneering startups and their revolutionary...

9 months

Used Plastic Plates in Your Wedding? This Kerala Village Will Withhold Your Marriage Certificate!

While these green norms set by the panchayat were only applicable to wedding feasts, the rules were later extended to almost all events that see over 100 guests in attendance.

Used Plastic Plates in Your Wedding? This Kerala Village Will Withhold Your Marriage Certificate!

Imagine not being issued your marriage certificate if you serve your guests food on plastic plates!

The Kolad panchayat in Kannur district of Kerala is taking its green weddings mission one step ahead with new rules, after its initiative ‘Maalinyamillatha Mangalyam’ which translates to no-waste weddings, became a huge success, reports Manorama Online.

Kerala- Kannur-green weddings- marriage certificate
Representational Image only. Source: Wikimedia commons

While these green norms set by the panchayat were only applicable to wedding feasts, the rules were later extended to almost all events that see over 100 guests in attendance. The protocol is to fill out a form and submit an application to the panchayat.

The rationale is to avoid environmental damage due to the increased usage of plastic and other disposable waste items.

The stringent rules slap a fine of Rs 10,000 on organisers who do not inform the panchayat of an event which caters to more than 100 guests. A smooth sailing event and a marriage certificate in hand are ensured only when the panchayat monitors that the green protocol has been followed.

All newly-wed couples and event organisers who comply with the norms will be awarded a memento by the panchayat.

But the road to setting these rules and ensuring compliance wasn’t easy, most people protested. But most of their crockery related worries were resolved by the ‘Harithakarma Sena,’ who provide plantain leaves and steel plates and glasses.


Read more: In a Madurai Bus Stand, Mothers with Hungry Infants Get Free Milk Thanks to This Man


Today, the village proudly boasts of not only doing away with plastic plates and cups but also flex boards and plastic banners.

The next thing on their list includes avoiding the use of plastic pens and bottles in schools too.

Also, green rules for new buildings will come into effect from November 1. As per the rules, applicants will have to plant five trees for every building constructed in a five cent plot and attach a photograph of the plants with their applications. The numbering stage of buildings will demand another picture to monitor the growth of trees.

Like this story? Or have something to share?
Write to us: [email protected]
Connect with us on Facebook and Twitter.
NEW: Click here to get positive news on WhatsApp!

If you found our stories insightful, informative, or even just enjoyable, we invite you to consider making a voluntary payment to support the work we do at The Better India. Your contribution helps us continue producing quality content that educates, inspires, and drives positive change.

Choose one of the payment options below for your contribution-

By paying for the stories you value, you directly contribute to sustaining our efforts focused on making a difference in the world. Together, let's ensure that impactful stories continue to be told and shared, enriching lives and communities alike.

Thank you for your support. Here are some frequently asked questions you might find helpful to know why you are contributing?

Support the biggest positivity movement section image Support the biggest positivity movement section image

This story made me

  • feel inspired icon
    97
  • more aware icon
    121
  • better informative icon
    89
  • do something icon
    167

Tell Us More

Shorts

Shorts

See All
 
X
 
Sign in to get free benefits
  • Get positive stories daily on email
  • Join our community of positive ambassadors
  • Become a part of the positive movement