SABARIMALA: Banned plastic products are widely sold in Nilakkal in violation of the High Court order. Kerala Kaumudi had earlier published news about tons of plastic products being sold in Nilakkal, which is a plastic-free area, and charging double price for bottled water. Noticing this, the High Court had strictly directed on the 5th that the local government bodies and the Legal Metrology Department should take action to prevent illegal trade and the sale of prohibited products. A division bench comprising Justice Anil K. Narendran and Justice G. Girish had ordered that more staff should be appointed for inspection and action should be taken if water and soft drinks are being distributed in plastic bottles. The court said that traders should be monitored at Erumeli, Pampa and Saranapatha and flying squads should be appointed to ensure that they do not charge exorbitant prices from non-state devotees. However, the orders of the court have not yet been implemented. Plastic waste is getting dumped in the forest. There are also complaints that officials do not check the quality of food and water sold in plastic containers.

'There is no system to bring drinking water to the pilgrims. A fine of more than Rs 1 lakh has been levied against those who sell water and soft drinks in plastic containers. The court order cannot be implemented without providing drinking water to the pilgrims. "
- Suraj Shaji,
Nilakkal A.D.M