SABARIMALA: ‘PunyamPoonkavanam’ idea was originated in order to protect the wild life at Sabarimala, says I G P Vijayan.

“I started this programme when I was serving as a special officer at Sannidhanam at 2011. Some ministers and several high court judges had co-operated with the programme back then. ‘Punyam Poonkavanam’ has a vital role in keeping Sabarimala clean. The programme was recognized on a national level. The prime minister mentioned about this in his ‘Mann Ki Baat’ programme. Some states have shown interest in the programme”, Vijayan told Kerala Kaumudi.

P Vijayan had reached Sannidhanam on Sunday to participate in the evaluation meeting of ‘Punyam Poonkavanam’ programme.

“Birds and animal consume plastic thrown away by devotees. The doctors had found huge amount of plastic in a dead elephant’s stomach. Many animals may have died like this. This should be avoided. Birds, animals as wells as the environment should be conserved. That was the aim of this project. The programme started with the help of Sabarimala sanitation society workers”, he added.

The devotees themselves bear expenses for printing of pamphlets, purchasing of gloves, etc.

Those who wish to take part in the cleaning programme can register their name at the Punyam Poonkavanam counter opened at the Sannidhanam.