Sabarimala: HC bans sale of chemical Kumkum and plastic shampoo sachets

KOCHI: The High Court banned the sale of chemical Kumkumam and plastic sachet packets in Sabarimala and Erumeli. The Devaswom bench comprising Justice V. Raja Vijayaraghavan and Justice K. V. Jayakumar directed the Travancore Devaswom Board and the concerned authorities to ensure this. The High Court was considering a suo motu petition while going through the report submitted by the Special Commissioner regarding the provision of facilities at the staging areas during the Mandala pilgrimage season.

The court directed that the plastic ban in Sabarimala and Pamba should not be violated. The gram panchayat lawyer has drawn attention to the environmental problem created by chemical Kumkumam and shampoo packets left in Erumeli. Earlier, Kumkumam was made with turmeric and natural ingredients. But now chemical Kumkumam is leading the markets. Those who come to Pettathullal will spread the Kumkum. They will use a lot of shampoo/soap powder to wash themselves. It was also pointed out that the packets of these are thrown into the river.

Erumeli Panchayat and Chengannur Municipality should take action through health inspectors to ensure a healthy environment. It was also directed that a report be submitted on the 12th, when the matter will be considered again.