Kerala High Court Takes Stern Action Over Pamba River Pollution Crisis
The Kerala High Court has expressed grave concern over the alarming environmental situation at the holy river Pamba, where massive accumulations of discarded clothes remain uncleared even after the pilgrimage season. In a strongly worded observation, the court has squarely faulted the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) for its failure to address this critical issue that threatens the river's ecological balance.
Court Directs Multi-Agency Inspection and Immediate Remedial Measures
A bench comprising Justices V Raja Vijayaraghavan and K V Jayakumar has issued specific directives to constitute a joint inspection team comprising:
- The Executive Director of Suchitwa Mission
- The District Environmental Engineer of Kerala State Pollution Control Board (PCB)
- The Secretary of Ranny Perunad Grama Panchayat
This team has been instructed to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the affected river stretches in coordination with TDB representatives. Their mandate includes evaluating the extent of pollution and waste accumulation, particularly the discarded clothes that have been left to degrade along the sacred riverbanks.
Judicial Intervention Based on Sabarimala Commissioner's Report
The court's intervention came while considering a detailed report submitted by the Sabarimala special commissioner, which highlighted the contractor's complete failure to remove the accumulated clothes as mandated. The bench also examined photographic evidence presented by the amicus curiae, which vividly depicted the severity of the pollution problem.
Upon reviewing these documents, the High Court emphasized that the inspection team must recommend effective, scientifically sound measures for the river's ongoing protection, restoration, and maintenance. The court made it unequivocally clear that TDB bears primary responsibility for ensuring the immediate removal of all dumped clothes, whether through the existing contractor or alternative lawful means.
Court Mandates Sustainable Cleanup and Long-Term Conservation Strategy
The High Court has specifically mandated that all cleanup operations must adhere to environmentally sustainable practices and comply strictly with scientific waste management protocols. The bench reminded authorities that temporary solutions are insufficient, requiring instead a systematic approach to river conservation.
Furthermore, the court has demanded detailed statements from all concerned officers of Suchitwa Mission, PCB, local authorities, and TDB. These statements must comprehensively outline:
- Actions taken thus far to address the pollution
- Current compliance status with previous directives
- Proposed long-term measures for preventing future accumulation and ensuring sustained river conservation
Judicial Emphasis on TDB's Ongoing Responsibilities
In a significant observation, the High Court underscored that TDB's duty extends beyond the pilgrimage season. The board has a continuous responsibility to maintain the river's cleanliness and ecological health during inter-seasonal periods. This ruling establishes an important precedent for environmental stewardship at religious pilgrimage sites across Kerala.
The court's directives represent a comprehensive approach to addressing both the immediate pollution crisis and implementing sustainable, long-term solutions for preserving the ecological integrity of the sacred Pamba river.
