Insta
Kerala: Forest Department Terms Sabarimala Chants As ‘Noise Pollution’, Lists Out Ecological Hazards Of Pilgrimage
Swarajya Staff
Jul 03, 2019, 04:27 PM | Updated 04:27 PM IST
Save & read from anywhere!
Bookmark stories for easy access on any device or the Swarajya app.
The Kerala Forest Department in its ecotourism development report to the Centre has termed Sabarimala pilgrim chants as ‘noise pollution’ and listed out the environmental ‘hazards’ caused by the pilgrimage.
The Travancore Devaswom Board, which manages the holy Hindu shrine, has taken strong exception of the report, with its president A Padmakumar terming the statements as a mockery of the pilgrimage itself, as reported by The Hindu.
The report by the Forest Department reads, “The major hazards caused by the movement of pilgrims include collection of firewood from the forest, cutting poles for constructing sheds, littering of biodegradable plastic waste, noise pollution by chanting religious slogans, creating trekking tracks through trampling resulting in soil erosion, lighting at night during trekking to the temple, temporary camps, and halting places.”
The report further says that the Forest Department ‘seldom controls the pilgrimage activities’ despite affecting the ecological sanctity of the area.
Padmakumar has also alleged that the report is an attempt by the Forest Department to sabotage the pilgrimage instead of cooperating with the Board to facilitate it.
Save & read from anywhere!
Bookmark stories for easy access on any device or the Swarajya app.
Introducing ElectionsHQ + 50 Ground Reports Project
The 2024 elections might seem easy to guess, but there are some important questions that shouldn't be missed.
Do freebies still sway voters? Do people prioritise infrastructure when voting? How will Punjab vote?
The answers to these questions provide great insights into where we, as a country, are headed in the years to come.
Swarajya is starting a project with an aim to do 50 solid ground stories and a smart commentary service on WhatsApp, a one-of-a-kind. We'd love your support during this election season.
Click below to contribute.