A green protocol handbook for local body elections was released in Thiruvananthapuram on Friday:
The State Election Commission, which is preparing for ‘green’ local body elections in 2025, says the polls are likely to generate about 6,711 tonnes of non-biodegradable waste. This would include approximately 1,800 tonnes of banners and billboards, 1,400 tonnes of flags and wreaths, 1,826 tonnes of plastic bottles and 1,685 tonnes of disposable cups, plates and banned plastic bags and products.
The projection, which is part of the ‘Guide on Green Local Body Elections 2025’, released by State Election Commissioner A. Shajahan here on Friday, is based on the assumption that there will be 1,17,880 candidates in 23,576 constituencies in 1,199 local bodies in the 2025 elections. The commission also plans to have 33,746 polling stations follow the green protocol as directed by the panel.
Releasing the book here, Mr. Shajahan said the message for the upcoming elections was “Vote to protect the country”. The book, which deals with various aspects of the green protocol for elections, was prepared by the commission with the help of the Department of Local Government and Suchitwa Mission.
State Election Commissioner A. Shajahan released a handbook on Green Local Body Elections 2025 in Thiruvananthapuram on Friday: | Photo credit: Special arrangement
Election campaign materials should be made from environmentally friendly materials such as cotton or materials that can be recycled, the commission said. The commission also urged candidates to make maximum use of digital options and environment-friendly materials such as bamboo, grass mats, coconut leaves and cane for their campaigns.
Flags and garlands should be made of cloth or paper. Garlands made of plastic should also be avoided, the commission told political parties and candidates.
Published – 14 Nov 2025 20:45 IST
