The district election unit confiscated 1,650 meters of prohibited plastic flexible materials from various printing machines in the territory of Kalamassery village. The materials were seized in surprise raids carried out by the unit as it stepped up checks across the district to ensure strict adherence to the green protocol during the council elections. The businesses were fined ₹40,000.
The event followed the guidelines issued by the Election Commission and allowed only environmentally friendly materials for the campaign. The authorities found that banned flexible PVC-based materials were widely printed in violation of norms. The seized materials were handed over to the municipality.
Only natural materials such as cotton fabric and paper are allowed for campaign boards and banners. Reusable polyethylene can be used provided it bears the recycling logo, Pollution Control Board certification and printer details. Flex materials with PVC coating and polyester fabrics are completely prohibited.
The law enforcement unit said that checks will be intensified in all constituencies in the coming days. Strict legal action will be taken against printing presses that violate the norms, an official release said.
Green protocol
Meanwhile, the district administration has decided to strictly enforce green protocol norms across the district during the elections.
The instructions were issued at a meeting of tahsildars, returning officers and green protocol nodal officers presided over by District Collector G. Priyanka.
Single-use plastics and single-use items have been completely banned from polling stations, voter facilitation centres, training centers and distribution and collection centres.
Instead of plastic cups, plates, banners and similar items, only reusable and ecological materials will be allowed. Separate bins for sorting biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste will be installed at all centres. The non-biodegradable waste collected will be placed in bags provided by Clean Kerala Company and moved to the material collection facility. Haritha Karma Sena members will be deployed to prevent the accumulation of garbage.
Local government institutions have been ordered to immediately remove plastic flags, banners and boards installed in public places in violation of Green Protocol norms. The costs of removal will be borne by the respective responsible political parties or individuals.
Nodal officers have been assigned at each center to ensure adherence to the green protocol. The amount of waste produced must be recorded daily and action will be recommended against officials violating the norms.
Published – 25 March 2026 22:48 IST
