Haritha Keralam Mission Rolls Out Menstrual Cups and Napkin Incinerators in Schools and Communities

Thiruvananthapuram: In a move that blends environmental care with women’s health, the Haritha Keralam Mission is rolling out menstrual cups and napkin incinerators in selected schools, colleges, and neighbourhood groups. The statewide launch, aimed at promoting menstrual hygiene and awareness, will be led by Finance Minister K N Balagopal on Tuesday.

Funded through the 2025-26 state budget and implemented in partnership with HLL Life Care, the initiative will see 322 incinerators installed in schools and colleges with large student populations, ensuring scientific disposal of used sanitary napkins. Based on surveys by the Haritha Keralam Mission, the project will also distribute 1.69 lakh menstrual cups to schools, colleges, and Kudumbashree neighbourhood groups across the state.

The first phase targets five higher secondary schools and all colleges in each district, along with Kudumbashree neighbourhood groups in 152 local self-governments that signed on to the Net Zero Carbon Kerala campaign. Beyond distribution, the programme aims to equip schools and colleges with proper menstrual hygiene facilities and eco-friendly products, and will include workshops and special classes to raise awareness among students and community members.

In Kollam district, the event will take place at 2 pm at the Muttar Government Higher Secondary and Vocational Higher Secondary School in Veliyam Panchayath. Kollam District Panchayath President R Lathadevi will preside, while Dr T N Seema, State Coordinator of the Navakerala Karma Programme and Vice Chairperson of Haritha Keralam Mission, will present the project. Kollam District Collector N Devidas will deliver the keynote address.