In a report to the central government, the state forest department stated that ‘Ayyappa chants’ is resulting in noise pollution in Sabarimala. The report was submitted as part of eco-tourism project. In the 89th page of the report, there is a mention about adverse effects of pilgrimage like plastic dumping, cutting down trees for sheds and fire. 50 lakh pilgrims visit the shrine which impacts the biodiversity of Periyar. This has now contradicted the statement of forest minister K. Raju.

Temporary paths made on hills results in landslides, the report says. Eco-development committees control these.

The report came amid the dispute between Devaswom Board and the Forest Department regarding some matters including ropeway. The board alleges that the forest department is standing in way of basic development for pilgrims. The forest department had leased 60 acres land in Sannidanam and 10 acres in Pamba to Devaswom Board.