The Kerala High Court has issued a directive prohibiting the sale of shampoo sachets packaged in plastic and the sale of chemically produced kumkum at the Sabarimala pilgrimage site. The order applies to the licensed stalls, known as “kuthakas,” at Pamba and Sannidhanam. The bench passed this decision in response to a suo motu case initiated on the basis of a report submitted by the Special Commissioner, which detailed the environmental issues arising from improper waste disposal during the Mandalam–Makaravilakku festival season.
The court observed that pilgrims frequently used plastic shampoo sachets at the Erumeli resting stations and discarded them into nearby streams, leading to significant water pollution. It was brought to the court’s attention that plastic waste was accumulating in the region, especially around the Erumeli thodu, which serves as a source of water for many pilgrims. The Erumeli Grama Panchayat informed the court that along with plastic sachets, the use of chemically manufactured kumkum was causing additional environmental harm. The kumkum, traditionally made from turmeric and natural ingredients, is now being produced using synthetic chemicals. It was also noted that during rituals such as the pettathullal, large quantities of this chemical kumkum were being used, leading to pollution and the necessity of using detergents and shampoos to wash it off, which further contaminated the water.
The court emphasized that these practices have a cumulative detrimental effect on the environment, particularly in ecologically sensitive areas such as Sabarimala. The bench directed the Travancore Devaswom Board to ensure that no plastic shampoo sachets are sold in the designated areas and to enforce a strict ban on chemically manufactured kumkum. The Board was also instructed to submit a compliance report detailing the steps taken to implement the court’s orders and to ensure that the measures are effectively followed throughout the pilgrimage season.
In its remarks, the High Court highlighted the need for authorities to adopt eco-friendly alternatives and maintain the sanctity of pilgrimage sites by ensuring that religious practices and commercial activities do not harm the environment. The order reflects the court’s ongoing commitment to environmental preservation and sustainable management of pilgrimage-related waste. It underscores the responsibility of both religious and civil authorities to protect natural resources while accommodating the spiritual and cultural traditions of the devotees.
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