Eminent Carnatic vocalist and playback singer KJ Yesudas has been chosen as one of the brand ambassadors for the Kerala government’s initiative for a garbage-free state.

Haritha Keralam (Green Kerala), envisaged by the CPI (M)-led LDF government, will look into waste management issues in the state, along with the cleaning and restoration of water bodies. With measures to also place checks on irresponsible tourism, the initiative aims to create exactly what the name implies -a green Kerala.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said in the assembly on Monday that Yesudas has expressed sheer happiness in associating himself with the initiative.

Reports say that the CM was replying to a submission raised by Pattambi MLA Muhammed Muhsin on the degradation of the Bharathapuzha, a river that occupies a significant position in the cultural history of Kerala.

"Yesudas has given consent to be the ambassador of the government's Haritha Keralam project," Pinarayi Vijayan was quoted as saying.

The 76-year-old singer expressed his willingness to be part of the initiative when he met Pinarayi Vijayan on Saturday at his official residence in Thiruvananthapuram. 

Pinarayi Vijayan stated on Facebook later in the day that the initiative will ensure implementation of the 'clean through green’ protocol. 

“Dr Yesudas expressed sheer happiness regarding this project and also pointed out the viability of putting up fountains so as to avoid stagnant water which will not just be cosmetic but also helps to eradicate mosquitoes,” he wrote.