Thiruvananthapuram: As the Kerala School Kalolsavam is set to kick off in the capital city of Kerala, the backdrop is set for an eco-conscious celebration.

With sustainability at the forefront, the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation has introduced a unique initiative to combat plastic waste at the festival venues. Anyone caught bringing plastic bottles will be charged a Rs 10 'arrest fee', which is refundable upon returning their token when leaving the venue. This measure is part of the strict enforcement of the Green Protocol at the festival venues.

ADVERTISEMENT

Preparations for setting up separate bins for the collection of organic and non-organic waste at all 25 venues are in their final stages. A team of 50 health inspectors, 100 sanitation workers, and members of the Haritha Karma Sena have been deployed in two shifts across the venues to maintain cleanliness.

Lunch for 20,000
At the Putharikandam grounds, where the festival kitchen is operational, 100 sanitation workers and 12 health inspectors will be on duty in three shifts from 6 am to midnight. A total of 60 temporary toilets too have been set up at the venue. Control rooms have been set up at Putharikandam and Central Stadium to coordinate emergency services.

ADVERTISEMENT

The kitchen for the State School Arts Festival began its operations on Friday. The ceremonial commencement of cooking took place at 10.30 am, with Minister V. Sivankutty boiling milk in a vessel.

The cooking materials donated by students from schools across the district have already been stocked at the store room here. These items were collected at 12 Block Resource Centers (BRCs) and brought to the festival venue. Civil Supplies Minister G R Anil formally received the supplies in the presence of Education Minister V Sivankutty, Food Committee Chairman Kadakampally Surendran MLA, and the Festival Convener A Najeeb. The donations primarily included rice, coconuts, sugar, and tea, along with various spices and vegetables.

ADVERTISEMENT

From Saturday, lunch will be prepared for 20,000 people, while breakfast and dinner will cater to 10,000 each.

A dedicated team of 100, led by culinary expert Pazhayidom Mohanan Namboothiri, will manage the cooking. A large pandal has been set up, accommodating 4,000 people to dine simultaneously.

The comments posted here/below/in the given space are not on behalf of Onmanorama. The person posting the comment will be in sole ownership of its responsibility. According to the central government's IT rules, obscene or offensive statement made against a person, religion, community or nation is a punishable offense, and legal action would be taken against people who indulge in such activities.