Kerala High Court Bans Plastic Sachets and Chemical Kumkum in Sabarimala to Protect Environment
The Kerala High Court has prohibited the sale of plastic shampoo sachets and chemically produced kumkum in and around Sabarimala, Pamba, and Erumeli during the upcoming Mandalam–Makaravilakku pilgrimage season.
A Division Bench comprising Justice Raja Vijayaraghavan V and Justice KV Jayakumar passed the order while hearing a suo motu case concerning the arrangements made for Sabarimala pilgrims.
The Court noted that pilgrims often dispose of used shampoo sachets and other plastic waste along the roads and rivers in Erumeli, causing serious environmental pollution. To address this, it ordered a complete ban on the sale of plastic shampoo sachets at kutthakas, Pamba, and Sannidhanam. Authorities were also directed to install protective nets across streams in Erumeli to trap discarded sachets and debris.
The Bench further highlighted the environmental hazards of synthetic kumkum, which is widely used in religious rituals like ‘Pettathullal’. Traditionally made from natural turmeric, kumkum is now often produced with harmful chemicals. The Court observed that devotees use strong detergents and shampoos to remove the chemical stains, further worsening water pollution.
The Travancore Devaswom Board was directed to take immediate steps to ban the sale of chemical kumkum in the region to prevent further ecological damage.
During the proceedings, the Court was informed of a recent inspection by the Vigilance Officer, Enforcement Squad, and Health Inspector, which found large heaps of solid waste clogging the Valiyathodu stream near the Shastha temple in Erumeli. Though the Panchayat removed much of the waste, silt build-up still remained. The Bench ordered the Minor Irrigation Department to inspect and clean the stream promptly.
The Court also took note of other measures, such as separate queues for pilgrims at Keezhadam temple and prepaid transport counters at major railway stations. The Travancore Devaswom Board was asked to submit a detailed report on the implementation of earlier directions to ensure proper facilities at all 52 resting points for pilgrims.
The matter will be heard again next week.
