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THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, KERALA, INDIA, July 8, 2002: “Only God can prevent the breakout of an epidemic during the pilgrim season in Sabarimala,” chairman of Assembly Environment committee, George J. Matthew said here on Monday. The eight-member committee which submitted its report on Sabarimala told reporters, the popular pilgrim centre was facing immense health and environment problems. Matthew said, in the two month pilgrim season, millions of devotees thronged the hill shrine temple, 1,200 ft. above sea level in the Periyar Tiger Project area. “However, the facilities to keep the temple and the route clear have been far from satisfactory, he added. On the role being played by the Devaswom Board (which is the temple administrator), the chairman said, “Surprisingly, the Board has not been able to do much despite the fact that the temple brings massive revenue to the Board and the Kerala government.” “The biggest health hazard is the pollution of the holy river, Pampa, which skirts the temple hills. The customary bath by every pilgrim and discharge of sewage make Pampa, one of the most polluted rivers in Kerala. The water sample in Pampa has proved that it contains 1.5 lakh coliforms against the accepted 500,” Matthew added. In its report, the committee has suggested a 32-point pilgrim-friendly action plan for the temple. It includes setting up of a satellite township in Nilackal, 10 kilometers away from the temple, ban on plastics, making traffic one-way, providing clean drinking water and economic and hygienic food packets.

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