KOCHI: Local Self-Government Department Minister K.M. Shaji officially unveiled “Kochu,” the adorable rabbit mascot for Kochi’s waste management initiatives, during the Kochi Corporation-level launch of the state government’s “Nirmalam – Puthuyuga Shuchithwa Kerala” campaign. Designed to instill hygiene and waste management awareness among the public through children, the mascot launch was accompanied by the establishment of “Nirmalam Clubs” across all schools within the Kochi Corporation limits.
Awards will be presented to the best-performing clubs based on their activities over a year-long period. Additionally, badges were distributed to 74 Nirmalam volunteers tasked with coordinating ward-level sanitation activities. Praising the civic body, the minister noted that Kochi Corporation’s proactive interventions toward a waste-free city serve as an exemplary model for the entire state, commending its enthusiastic adoption of public welfare initiatives.
The event also highlighted the ‘RELOVE – LET GOOD THINGS LIVE AGAIN’ campaign championed by Ernakulam District Collector Priyanka G, IAS, aimed at promoting a robust reuse culture. As part of this initiative, Ernakulam District Suchitwa Mission Coordinator Dr. Sumi Cheriyan, KAS, handed over a token gift collected from the public to the minister.
Kochi Corporation Mayor Adv. V.K. Minimol presided over the event, expressing confidence that the Nirmalam campaign, backed by state support and the Suchitwa Mission, will successfully fulfill the vision of a garbage-free Kochi. Popular film actor and Kochi’s sanitation ambassador Tini Tom graced the occasion. Key addresses were delivered at the TDM Hall by Ernakulam MP Hibi Eden and MLAs Muhammed Shiyas, T.J. Vinod, Uma Thomas, and Deepak Joy.
Health Standing Committee Chairperson Seena Teacher presented a detailed overview of the campaign. The high-profile event saw enthusiastic participation from merchant association representatives, residents’ association office-bearers, socio-cultural leaders, elected representatives, and senior municipal officials.
For more details: Navamalayalam.com