We have heard a lot on the ban of plastics
in Kerala. Paper bags and some substitutes have been projected to replace
plastic bags. But the fact is none has replaced it just yet. Even though the
campaign against plastic has moved ahead all over the state, it still faces
many challenges.
While the prohibition is in force on one hand, on the other, use of
polythene covers goes unhindered. In market and public places, the "banned”
plastic lead the way.
While contemplating the harm plastic cause, a very strange "ban” comes to my
mind. That is a recent decision of Vatakara municipality in Kerala. The
authorities have imposed a ban on using plantain leaves in hotels. According
to the municipal authorities, the plantain leaves pose "threat" to
environment". A strange and nonsensical decision! Those who are aware of the
eco-friendly nature of plantain leaves and its traditional and ritual value,
will definitely be taken aback to hear this news.
The ban is a recommendation by the 'Suchithva Mission', Kerala Government’s
nodal agency for sanitation activities.
Plantain leaves are considered to be traditional symbols
in every festival and feast in Kerala. Most people prefer to take meals in
plantain leaves thanks to its hygienic and fresh nature. Taking a feast in
these leaves are thought to enhance the overall feeling and taste of food. A
feast in Kerala is incomplete without being served in these leaves.
During marriage feasts, Onam, and other traditional festivals, people
utilize this gift of nature. But when Plantain production in house-holds
became lower, the natural ‘plates’ have disappeared from scene. Disposable
paper plate variants came to replace it.
Flock of children collecting plantain leaves on preparation of the festivals
and marriages have been a common vista in Kadathanad (area in and around
Vatakara). There is a traditional style and even code of conduct for using
the plantain leaves during marriage feast. The tail end of the leaf should
come at the left hand side of the user. Elders get angry if there is any
change in setting of plantain leaves and serving spots of each and every
item.
There is a special savor when serving meals in banana leaves. Plantain
leaves are used for food preparations like "Ada"(tart), a delicious food
item made of rice. Most of the hotels in Vatakara use this traditional
"plates" to serve meals. Majority of the customers prefer to take lunch in
banana leaves. Modern world has identified the importance of utilizing
natures gifts than artificial ones.
Natural England, the Government's advisor on the natural
environment highlights the intrinsic value in their manifesto. They try to
conserve and enhance the natural environment, connect people and nature.
They make sure whether their environment management strategy work with
nature, not against it. Lankan government's approval for preparing food
wrappers from banana leaves also inform on the importance of natural
attachment. They want to fight environmental hazards originated by polythene
covers, not by banana leaves.
Can Keralites abandon plantain leaves that add taste to their feast that
ends with Palpayasam (milk pudding)?
-
By Rajesh
Kumar for CalicutNet.com
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