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Shafaq News- Baghdad<\/p>\n
The Iraq Green Observatory on Saturday called for greener practices
\nduring Iraq\u2019s Arbaeen pilgrimage, encouraging service tents (mawakibs) to cut
\nplastic use, reduce food waste and adopt cleaner methods to manage the millions
\nof visitors expected to take part in the annual religious event.<\/p>\n
In a statement, the environmental watchdog outlined the \u201cGreen
\nProcession\u201d initiative, proposing the creation of \u201cenvironmental service teams\u201d
\nwithin mawakibs to collect waste from roads and public areas throughout the pilgrimage.
\nIt also called on the Ministry of Environment to launch a nationwide \u201cCleanest
\nMawkib\u201d competition through its provincial offices to reward service tents that
\nshow strong commitment to environmental protection and cleanliness.<\/p>\n
\u201cSuch a competition could encourage mawakibs to improve waste management
\nwhile continuing their role in providing food, water and other services to
\npilgrims,\u201d the observatory argued, warning against cutting down trees for
\nfirewood while cooking, preparing tea or making other hot drinks during the
\npilgrimage.<\/p>\n
Food waste was another major concern raised by the group, which noted
\nthat large amounts of prepared food are often discarded by service tents and
\nvisitors. Calling for better planning and the preparation of \u201csmart quantities\u201d
\nof food, the Observatory recommended creating a \u201cblessing basket\u201d to distribute
\nclean, packaged surplus food to nearby families in need or send it to
\ncharitable restaurants.<\/p>\n
Arbaeen marks the 40th day of mourning after the martyrdom of Imam Hussein,
\nthe third Shia Imam and the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, and draws
\nmillions of Shiite pilgrims to Karbala each year, making it one of the largest
\nannual religious gatherings in the world. During the ritual, pilgrims are
\noffered meals, drinks and other forms of hospitality, with many volunteers
\nviewing the preparation and distribution of food as an expression of devotion
\nand a way of showing care and generosity toward visitors.<\/p>\n
Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi\u2019s government has allocated<\/a> 52.5 billion Iraqi
\ndinars ($34.1 million) to agencies involved in organizing the pilgrimage and to
\nthe holy shrines. It has also leased 2,400 buses, in addition to deploying
\nstate-owned vehicles, to transport pilgrims.<\/p>\n