Avoid single-use plastics, minimise paper use: EC calls for 'sustainable polls'
PTC News Desk: The Election Commission has directed the poll machinery and political parties to conduct a "sustainable election" by avoiding single-use plastics, reducing the use of paper, employing eco-friendly vehicles, and carpooling.
According to Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar, the Election Commission of India (ECI) is worried about environmentally sustainable elections.
Addressing a press conference on Saturday, the CEC said "In a step towards sustainable or eco-friendly elections, we are making efforts to minimise single-use plastic and encourage eco-friendly practices in the election process. A set of instructions has been issued to the poll machinery and political parties for waste management, minimisation of paper and reducing carbon footprint."
The commission has directed that single-use plastic be completely avoided, separate collection bins and proper signage and adequate disposal facilities be provided for each type of waste, local waste management and recycling facilities be teamed up with, paper be used minimally for voter lists and electoral materials, double-side printing and layout optimisation be ensured, and electronic modes of communication be encouraged.
The poll body also urged officials and political parties to reduce their carbon footprint by encouraging carpooling and using public transportation during campaigning and election season, using renewable energy for campaign events, and bringing together polling locations to reduce the distance travelled by officials and voters.
Polling for the 543 Lok Sabha seats will take place in seven phases, beginning with 102 on April 19. Votes will be counted on June 4.
Also Read
Lok Sabha Election 2024: Voting to start from April 19; results on June 4
Which states will vote in how many phases? Find out here!
BJP Lok Sabha candidates list: PM Modi to contest from Varanasi