As Vishu nears, plastic kanikkonna blooms bright but eco threat remains

AS VISHU approaches, shops and offices across Kerala are once again decked up with vibrant yellow, artificial kanikkonna flowers.

- LAKSHMI ATHIRA @Kozhikode

The plastic replicas, which have dominated the market for the past six years, are sought for their durability and convenience. However, environmentalists warn that behind their festive charm lies a growing ecological threat.

The single-use plastic decorations are adding to the state's mounting waste crisis.

Despite concerns, government agencies responsible for managing plastic waste have yet to take meaningful action. Officials with the Suchitwa Mission confirmed that large volumes of waste are generated during Vishu, much of which ends up in water bodies.