Court Directs Government and Agencies to Ensure Complete Removal of Accumulated Debris from Pamba River
The Kerala High Court has issued a directive to the state authorities and relevant agencies to expedite the cleaning operations in the Pamba River, particularly in the Cheriya Palam area, to ensure the river is prepared for the upcoming pilgrimage season. This decision came in response to a suo motu case highlighting the environmental issues caused by accumulated clothes and debris clogging the river and its surroundings.
In a recent hearing, the court acknowledged that approximately 95% of the accumulated clothes have been successfully removed by a contractor. This removal involved significant efforts, including the use of hydraulic excavators and a dedicated workforce under the supervision of the Travancore Devaswom Board's engineering staff. However, challenges remain in deeper and uneven riverbed sections where clothes persist.
The court emphasized the importance of completing the cleanup without compromising the safety of the laborers or damaging existing irrigation structures. The engineering team has expressed concerns about using heavy machinery in these areas due to practical difficulties.
The learned Standing Counsel for the Pollution Control Board assured the court that an inspection would be conducted by Environmental Inspectors once the clothes are fully removed. The court has instructed the Government Pleader to seek technical support from the Suchitwa Mission, which specializes in waste management and environmental sanitation, to address the remaining debris.
The court has set a deadline for the Government Pleader to report back with a detailed plan within a week, aiming for a comprehensive cleanup well before the pilgrimage season commences. The matter is scheduled for further review on March 25, 2026.
Bottom Line:
Direction issued to Government authorities and concerned agencies to ensure proper cleaning of the Pamba River before the commencement of the next pilgrimage season.
Statutory provision(s): Not explicitly mentioned in the judgment.
Suo Motu v. State of Kerala, (Kerala)(DB) : Law Finder Doc id # 2866130
