Maintain Sabarimala Water Kiosks Clean and Safe; Ensure Electrical Safety Checks: Kerala HC to KWA
Kochi: The Kerala High Court has expressed displeasure over the unhygienic condition of water kiosks along the pathway to Sannidhanam and directed the Kerala Water Authority (KWA) to ensure proper cleanliness, maintenance and electrical safety throughout the 2026–27 pilgrimage season.
A Division Bench of Justices Raja Vijayaraghavan V. and K.V. Jayakumar issued the directions after examining photographs showing garbage dumped beneath water taps and poorly maintained kiosks.
Describing the conditions as unacceptable, the court directed KWA to deploy adequate workers for regular cleaning and maintenance and conduct periodic inspections to ensure the availability of safe drinking water.
The court also sought a detailed statement from KWA explaining the measures taken, including the officers and personnel responsible for maintaining the kiosks at Sannidhanam.
Highlighting a previous electrocution incident during the last pilgrimage season, the Bench stressed the need for strict electrical safety measures. A devotee had suffered electrocution while attempting to drink water from a kiosk due to a loose live electric wire.
The court directed KWA to inspect the electrical installations, wiring and connected equipment at every kiosk and immediately rectify exposed or defective wiring. Periodic inspections by qualified personnel were also made mandatory.
The Bench made it clear that the authority must ensure that no devotee is exposed to the risk of electrocution while accessing drinking water facilities.
The court was considering a petition initiated based on a report by the Sabarimala Special Commissioner regarding arrangements for the 2026–27 Mandala-Makaravilakku pilgrimage season. Photographs submitted by the amicus curiae highlighted the poor condition of the water kiosks.