Kerala HC bans plastic shampoo sachets, chemical kumkum at Sabarimala
The Kerala High Court just banned chemical kumkum and plastic shampoo sachets at Sabarimala, Pamba, and Erumeli to tackle pollution during the busy pilgrimage season.
This move follows reports that leftover sachets and chemicals are piling up along the route, harming both the environment and local wildlife.
Death of animals after consuming plastic waste
The court pointed out that dumping these plastics into streams is making water pollution worse—and it's not just about dirty water.
Two elephants and a pregnant deer in the nearby Periyar Tiger Reserve died after eating plastic waste.
Now, authorities have to put up nets or check dams in streams to catch trash before it spreads further.
What are the other directions given by court?
Officials have been told to make sure no chemical kumkum or plastic shampoo sachets are sold during pilgrimages.
For anyone heading to Sabarimala or caring about nature, this is a big step toward protecting rare animals and keeping Kerala's forests cleaner—especially when huge crowds gather for religious events.