Kerala HC seeks steps to prevent pollution at Sabarimala

The Kerala High Court has directed the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) to take steps to curb the sale of shampoo in plastic sachets and chemical kumkum at Sabarimala to prevent pollution and degradation of the environment.

It directed the TDB and other stakeholders to ensure potable water, Annadhanam, clean and safe resting shelters, and well-maintained toilets for pilgrims at the Sannidhanam and at locales where pilgrims converge.

The court was hearing a suo motu petition based on a report submitted by the Sabarimala Special Commissioner that mentioned the steps required to provide adequate facilities at ‘edathavalams’ for pilgrims visiting the temple during the coming Mandalam-Makaravilakku season.

A Division Bench of Justice Raja Vijayaraghavan V. and Justice K.V. Jayakumar said there was need to prohibit the sale of shampoo in plastic sachets and also chemical kumkum. This was after counsel for the Erumeli grama panchayat submitted that such materials were being dumped in the locality.

The court directed the TDB to issue an advance public notice through its official website and print and electronic media informing pilgrims about the prohibition on the use and carriage of plastic materials, including plastic packaging materials such as sachets, wraps, and covers, in the Irumudi. An appropriate advisory shall also be published on the Virtual-Q platform, it added.

It was submitted before the court that plastic waste was choking the natural flow of waterbodies such as the Valiyathodu, degrading the water quality and causing irreparable damage to aquatic life and the surrounding ecosystem. Counsel sought steps to place nets and construct check-dams across the Valiyathodu to collect plastic waste.

It was also submitted that a substantial quantity of silt has accumulated, obstructing the flow of water and aggravating both environmental and health concerns in the Valiyathodu, the stream passing in front of the temple. The court directed the executive engineer, Minor Irrigation department, to carry out an immediate site inspection and take expeditious steps to remove the silt and sand deposits to restore proper drainage.

The court directed the Devaswom Commissioner to file a consolidated report detailing the specific measures taken to implement the court’s directives.