Kerala Court Bans Plastic Sachets, Chemical Kumkum at Sabarimala Pilgrimage

In a move to address environmental concerns, the Kerala High Court has directed the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) to take immediate steps to curb the sale of shampoo in plastic sachets and chemical kumkum at the Sabarimala pilgrimage site. The court's directive comes as it aims to prevent pollution and degradation of the environment in the area.

The court has also ordered the TDB and other stakeholders to ensure that pilgrims visiting Sabarimala have access to potable water, Annadhanam (free food), clean and safe resting shelters, and well-maintained toilets at the Sannidhanam (temple complex) and other locations where pilgrims converge. This is in response to a report submitted by the Sabarimala Special Commissioner, which highlighted the need for adequate facilities for the upcoming Mandalam-Makaravilakku pilgrimage season.

The court's directives come after it was informed that plastic waste, including shampoo sachets and chemical kumkum, was being dumped in the locality, choking the natural flow of waterbodies such as the Valiyathodu and degrading the water quality, causing irreparable damage to aquatic life and the surrounding ecosystem. The court has ordered the executive engineer of the Minor Irrigation department to carry out an immediate site inspection and take steps to remove the accumulated silt and sand deposits to restore proper drainage.