Local authorities with support from Church have taken steps to ensure that the premises of the Malayattoor church in Kerala remain a green zone. The Ernakulum district collector has banned the use of plastic disposables and a green zone is being set up.

The annual Lenten pilgrimage to Malayattoor, believed to be the spot where St Thomas prayed, attracts devotees from across the State and outside, especially on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday.

The ‘Clean Malayattoor Pil-grimage’ campaign started on April 1. The Ernakulam Angama-ly diocese and the church authorities have taken a bold step to strictly adhere to the green protocol in the pilgrimage area.

With intensive planning and better participation from stakeholders, the church has taken up measures to rectify the problems faced during the pilgrimage season last year.
Discussions were initiated as early as in February involving the diocese, the church authorities, the district administration, the District Suchitwa Mission (DSW), the Forest Department, Malayattoor panchayat and voluntary organisations.

‘Clean, Green Malayattoor programme’ is the motto of the campaign. Steps are being taken to implement a better waste reduction system, to create awareness about reducing plastic waste and to ensure respon- sible pilgrimage at Malayatoor Kurishumudi.