Daijiworld Media Network - Kochi
Kochi, Nov 7: In a significant directive aimed at protecting the environment, the Kerala High Court on Friday instructed the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) to immediately prohibit the sale of chemical-based kumkum at Sabarimala ahead of the Mandalam–Makaravilakku pilgrimage season, which begins on November 17.
A division bench comprising Justices Raja Vijayaraghavan and K V Jayakumar issued the order while hearing a suo motu case concerning pilgrim amenities at edathavalams (resting places) during the annual pilgrimage season of 2025–26. The move follows concerns raised by the Special Commissioner regarding hygiene and pollution in the pilgrimage corridor.
The Bench recalled its earlier order dated October 16, which had directed the TDB, Indian Railways, and the District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC), Kottayam, to ensure proper sanitation, food, and drinking water facilities for devotees. The court had also highlighted the issue of pilgrims discarding plastic shampoo sachets near water bodies, particularly in Erumeli, leading to serious environmental damage.
During Friday’s proceedings, the counsel for the Erumeli Grama Panchayat informed the court that despite previous orders, shampoo sachets and other waste continued to be dumped into the Valiyathodu stream. It was further brought to the court’s attention that chemical-based kumkum used during the pettathullal ritual contributed to water pollution, as devotees use detergents and shampoos to wash off the substances afterward.
Taking cognisance of these submissions, the Bench ordered a strict ban on the sale of both shampoo sachets and chemical kumkum at Pamba and Sannidhanam. The court further directed the TDB to consider setting up nets or check dams across the stream to prevent the accumulation of waste and protect the fragile ecosystem.
Meanwhile, representatives of the Cochin and Guruvayur Devaswom Boards, as well as the Chengannur Municipality, informed the court that necessary steps were being implemented in compliance with the earlier orders.
Recording the submissions, the court adjourned the matter for further hearing next week.