KOCHI: As a first step towards embracing green protocol , spearheaded by Haritha Keralam Mission (HKM) and to put an end to the mounting garbage menace, officials with Kunnathunadu panchayat in Ernakulam , are on a mission to make it a plastic-free panchayat.The first phase is underway at ward 7 and ward 16 of the panchayat. According to civic body officials, it will take at least a year to accomplish the mission."The sanitation committee members and four teams of Haritha Karma Sena comprising Kudumbashree members have been entrusted with the task of collecting plastic waste from 18 wards in the panchayat monthly. We have been getting around 10 tonnes of plastic monthly for the last three years. Our aim is to bring it down to zero waste. Through this programme we hope there will be a significant reduction in the coming months. We would also introduce feasible models of waste treatment, water, environment and energy conservation in the near future," said P Aboobacker, Kunnathunadu panchayat president.The authorities said that since the cooperation of the public is required in its mission to eliminate plastic they will be conducting awareness programmes to educate them about various ways to keep plastics at bay "We would send Haritha Karma Sena team to each house in 18 wards to check the usage of plastic in each household. In the first three months, we would collect plastic waste for free. Later, based on the quantity of plastic we collect, we would charge a stipulated amount as fine. We introduced the concept of fine because most people who don't want to end up paying fine will eventually become careful to avoid the use of plastic and this would force them to embrace eco-friendly options," said Aboobacker.Panchayat officials said that from September 1, paper bags would be made mandatory and those using plastic bags will have to pay a good amount as fine."We have already given strict instructions to all shops in Kunnathunadu panchayat to avoid using plastic bags. We have started supplying cotton bags to shopkeepers and residents in the panchayat limit and those coming to Kunnathunadu. To manufacture cotton bags, we have started manufacturing units and Kudumbashree workers are entrusted with the task of making these bags," said an official with Kunnathunadu panchayat.

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