Kerala High Court's Ruling on Waste Disposal at Sabarimala: Protecting the Environment Amid Pilgrimage Tourism

The Kerala High Court recently delivered an important ruling addressing the issue of waste disposal in the Sabarimala region, a site of immense religious and environmental significance. The court’s intervention came in response to growing concerns about the impact of pilgrimage tourism on the environment, particularly regarding the improper disposal of waste at the Sabarimala temple, which is located in a protected forest area within the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Sabarimala attracts millions of devotees annually, making it one of the largest pilgrimage sites in India. However, this large influx of pilgrims has resulted in serious environmental challenges, especially with regard to waste management, which the court deemed necessary to address in order to preserve the ecological integrity of the region.

Sabarimala, nestled in the Western Ghats and surrounded by a lush forest, is home to a rich biodiversity, including several endangered species. The temple, which draws large crowds during the Mandalam-Makaravilakku season, has been a focal point for religious devotion but also for significant environmental strain. With millions of visitors annually, the waste generated by the pilgrims has reached alarming levels. The court noted that improper waste disposal, including plastic, food wrappers, and other non-biodegradable materials, has been contributing to pollution, which threatens the local ecosystem and wildlife. In particular, the court highlighted the issue of plastic waste, which is particularly harmful to the flora and fauna of the region, including the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary that is home to diverse species like elephants and tigers.

The Kerala High Court’s ruling called attention to the fact that the temple administration had made some efforts to address the waste disposal issue. However, it acknowledged that the scale of the problem had surpassed the capabilities of the existing infrastructure. There was a lack of adequate waste management systems, particularly during the peak pilgrimage season when the number of visitors surges. The court expressed concern over the impact this waste had on the surrounding environment, particularly in a protected area that required careful management to maintain its ecological balance. The judgment pointed out that this problem not only threatened the wildlife but also undermined the efforts to maintain Sabarimala’s status as a religious and cultural site.

In its ruling, the court stressed the need for comprehensive action to tackle the waste disposal issue. It emphasized the importance of creating a more sustainable waste management system that would be capable of handling the large volumes of waste generated by pilgrims. The court suggested that this system should involve proper waste segregation, timely collection, and environmentally-friendly disposal methods. It also recommended that the temple administration collaborate with local authorities and environmental experts to devise a long-term strategy for waste management. The court proposed that the government consider the installation of waste segregation stations at key locations along the pilgrimage route to encourage responsible waste disposal among the pilgrims.

Moreover, the Kerala High Court underlined the need to reduce the use of plastic, which has become a major environmental concern across India. The court suggested that alternatives to plastic be promoted, such as eco-friendly bags or reusable containers, to reduce the environmental burden caused by non-biodegradable waste. Public awareness campaigns to educate the pilgrims about the importance of keeping the environment clean were also recommended by the court. It highlighted that public participation was crucial for the success of any waste management initiative, especially in a place as culturally and religiously significant as Sabarimala.

In conclusion, the Kerala High Court’s judgment on waste disposal at Sabarimala is a critical reminder of the need to balance religious practices with environmental sustainability. The court’s ruling reinforces the importance of adopting effective waste management strategies at pilgrimage sites to prevent ecological degradation. By calling for greater collaboration between temple authorities, the government, and the public, the court’s decision seeks to safeguard the future of Sabarimala and ensure that its environmental and cultural legacy is preserved for generations to come. This case exemplifies the challenges faced by popular religious destinations in India and underscores the need for comprehensive environmental policies to address the consequences of mass tourism.