Collector urges strict adherence to green protocol for election campaign materials

Kochi: In preparation for the upcoming legislative assembly elections, a meeting was convened under the leadership of district collector G Priyanka with printers and dealers to strictly adhere to green protocols.Collector emphasised in the meeting that the Election Commission's directive to enforce the green protocol during the campaign must be strictly followed. It was instructed to completely avoid all prohibited campaign materials, including flex boards, PVC banners and non-woven polypropylene boards, to prevent environmental pollution. She clarified that only recyclable polyethylene campaign materials approved by Kerala Pollution Control Board should be used for printing. Such prints must mandatorily include PVC-free and recyclable logos, the manufacturer's name, registration number and pollution control board's certificate number or QR code. Enforcement squads were instructed to immediately remove all existing boards made with prohibited materials. Inspections by enforcement squads will be intensified at both the district and local self-govt levels. Additionally, anti-defacement squads formed to check the legality of election campaign activities will conduct inspections. Inspections focusing on printing units in the district will also be strengthened. Strict action will be taken if the use of prohibited materials is detected, the collector stated. The meeting was attended by district sanitation mission coordinator Sheetal G Mohan, sign printers and dealers from the district, office-bearers of various organisations, and representatives from institutions.