Those polluting Pampa river to face penal consequences: HC

Kochi: Ahead of the commencement of Sabarimala pilgrim season next month, the High Court Friday said those who pollute Pampa river shall have to face penal consequences.

A division bench, comprising Justice Thottathil B Radhakrishnan and Justice Anu Sivaraman, said as per provisions of Water(Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, those who pollute river and water bodies are punishable for a prison term of up to six years with fine.

The bench also directed the Kerala State Pollution Control Board to ensure that the holy river is not polluted.

Examining a report submitted by the Pollution Control Board, the bench found that on the pretext of customary practise, pilgrims returning after darshan at the Ayyappa temple in Sabarimala abandon their black clothes worn by them in the river.

Taking serious note of the fact that tonnes of clothes clog the river after each pilgrimage season, the court observed that actually no such practiser prevails.

The court said those polluting the river can be punished.

This year's pilgrim season begins on November 17.