Kerala High Court Takes Strong Action to Protect Sabarimala Wildlife from Plastic Waste
Pathanamthitta: The Kerala High Court has issued a Stringent directive to combat the escalating plastic waste crisis near Sabarimala, where indiscriminate dumping is killing wildlife in the Periyar Tiger Reserve. Following reports of two elephants and a pregnant sambar deer dying after consuming plastic waste, the court ordered strict enforcement of the Wildlife Protection Act against those responsible for dumping and burning waste during the 2024-25 Mandala-Makaravilakku season. Justices Anil K. Narendran and Muralee Krishna S. emphasized that Sabarimala, a no-plastic zone, faces a catastrophic threat to its ecosystem, with elephants, monkeys, and rare birds consuming toxic waste.
The court directed the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) to implement robust waste management, including fines of Rs. 2,000 for the first offense and Rs. 5,000 for the second, with repeated violations leading to the closure of offending establishments like hotels. An average of 24 tons of waste is generated daily during the pilgrimage season, highlighting the urgency of the issue. The TDB was also instructed to inform pilgrims via the Virtual-Q platform to exclude plastic from their irumudikettu (offering bags) and to adopt eco-friendly alternatives.
The court’s action, prompted by a report from the Sabarimala Special Commissioner, underscores the need for urgent cleanup and better waste segregation at Sabarimala, Pamba, Nilakkal, and trekking paths. Environmentalists warn that without immediate action, the region’s biodiversity faces irreversible harm. As millions of devotees prepare to visit Sabarimala in the coming season.