Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (SP/HB)
Udupi, Sep 4: The marriage of Sudhakar and Harinakshi that was solemnized at Thumbe Karkera hall at Uchila in the district on Sunday September 3 was unique. It created a record of sorts.
The marriage programme, where 'green protocol' was strictly followed, was held under the guidance of zilla panchayat president, Dinakar Babu. The way it was held has become a model for others to emulate.
About 700 guests took part in the programme. Right from invitation cards to serving of food, plastic was never used. All precautions were taken to see that at the conclusion of the marriage, no waste that can cause damage to environment is produced.
For decoration of stage where the marriage was performed, natural flowers and flowers made of clothes were put to use. Stainless steel glasses and plates made of porcelain were used for consumption of liquids and food. Before the arrival of the couple, two panchayat development officers visited the venue for scrutinizing about use of plastic and other things which create environmentally hazardous waste, and submitted detailed report to the deputy commissioner of the district. Deputy commissioner, Priyanka Mary Francis, who checked the report, personally visited the marriage venue and congratulated the newlyweds.
Speaking later, the deputy commissioner said that all the Yuvaka Mandals in the district had been given information about proper disposal of waste within their limits as part of 'Swachha Udupi Mission' being carried out in the district. "We were informed by zilla panchayat president, Dinakar Babu, that marriage of member of Navachetana Yuvaka Mandal, Sudhakar, would be conducted without using plastic. The marriage has been held today as promised. Everyone should follow this example," she stated.
The deputy commissioner specially congratulated Deekshit Shetty of Excellent Caterers, Ambagilu here, who catered to the food needs at the marriage. She asked Shetty to see that when supplying food in all marriages henceforth, he should desist from using plastic and use only things that are environment-friendly. She added that district administration will issue commendation letters to all the couples, heads of marriage halls and caterers in case of marriages which follow green protocol without using plastic.
She said that this district has to be made free of plastic waste by October 2, 2018, and that the year's countdown programme for Swachha Udupi Mission has already begun. She noted that this marriage has provided inspiration for others to follow suit.
Zilla panchayat chief project officer, Srinivas Rao, taluk panchayat assistant director, Harikrishna Shivathaya, district consultant of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, Sudheer, and panchayat development officers, Ramanand Puranik and Siddesh, were present.