With the State pollution control board (PCB) tightening the noose, political parties have adopted eco-friendly measures during campaign for the Assembly polls in West Bengal this time.

As party workers went round soliciting votes, they kept in mind people's sensitivity about environment by obeying restrictions on the use of loudspeakers, avoiding use of plastics in making party flags and using only diesel generator sets during power cuts, PCB officials said.

Days ahead of the fourth round of the six-phase poll, the pollution watchdog has not received any complaint against violation of its green guidelines issued to all 24 political parties after the campaigning began early last month.

“There have been no complaints because the High Court and the Election Commission supported us when some political parties threatened to go against our guidelines in using loudspeakers,” WBPCB's chief law officer Mr Biswajit Mukherjee said.

Also because none of the candidates wanted to attract voter's ire by polluting the environment, Mr Mukherjee observed.

During election campaign, rampant use of loudspeakers by all parties result in noise pollution while a huge quantity of waste materials are generated from the preparation of flags, festoons, banners etc., which cause environmental hazards.

But with an increased awareness on environmental issues this election season, politicians adopted the ‘Go Green' mantra.

Besides following the 55-65 decibel limit while using loudspeakers, the main opposition party Trinamool Congress even introduced banners made from biodegradable jute.

“Ours is a complete eco-friendly campaign as we avoided the use of plastics as much as we could. We are the first political party in West Bengal to have adopted jute for roadside banners.

Ruling CPI-M's central committee member and state housing minister Mr Gautam Deb said, “As law-abiding citizens, we've followed the existing guidelines and there has been no violation from our side,” he said.

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