SHIMLA: The former Shimla Deputy Mayor Tikender Panwar has urged the state electoral officer (SEO) Anil Kumar Khachi to ban the use of non-biodegradable flex material in the Shimla municipal corporation elections to make a new start for the “green electioneering in the country”.
Flex and vinyl are the most widely used single -use plastic material being used by the advertising industry in India despite the fact that the government has banned singe -use plastic in India.
In a letter addressed to SEO, Panwar has made a relevant plea for the green electioneering in the SMC elections, which is on of oldest municipalities in India.
This plea has come at a time when campaigning has gained momentum among candidates for Shimla Municipal Corporation going to polls on May 2, 2023.
Panwar states that election campaign is guided by the set rules and principles ensuring it is fair and free.
He has pointed out the imminent necessity of the electioneering that also impacts environment and the ecosystem.
He has sought guidelines to protect the ecosystem as well.
“It is not just the geographical environment but also consciousness that it creates amongst the people and the young generation who are entering the age of exercising their franchise”, he said.
“There should be a complete ban on the use of flex in the election”.
“It is the worst form of non-biodegradable material particularly for the mountains”, he says.
He says there is no solution to it. “Neither can the flex material be recycled nor can it be decomposed”.
“There should be a complete 'No" to its use”.
He cited the electoral history of India to press his point.
Time was when there was rampant use of plastic leaflets and flags.
“Now we do not use them. Likewise, it is high time that there should be a complete ban on the use of flex material to save environment”, Panwar says.
Ture, Shimla municipal election, an election for ward councilors, is a small election.
Second, there is hardly any requirement for the use of motorized transport.
“This election should also exhibit its commitment towards the least use of fossil fuel-driven motorized transport”.
The most of the campaign should be done on foot, he said. Pedestrianization is the spirit of Shimla town.
“I wanted to bring these two small but pertinent issues to your attention and if possible there should be guidelines issued by your office for the same”, he stated in the letter.
This can be a small beginning but can be a starter for the entire country.
SEO has yet to take a call on this relevant “Green idea for the Elections in the country”.