Kerala High Court Prohibits Plastic Shampoo Sachets, Chemical Kumkum in Sabarimala Region

The Kerala High Court has prohibited the sale of plastic shampoo sachets and chemically manufactured kumkum in Sabarimala, Pamba, and Erumeli during the Mandalam–Makaravilakku pilgrimage season.

A Division Bench observed that discarded sachets and synthetic kumkum were severely polluting rivers and pilgrim routes. The Court directed authorities to halt the sale of these items and install barriers in the river streams to prevent waste accumulation.

The Travancore Devaswom Board was instructed to ensure only natural kumkum is supplied, while the Minor Irrigation Department was ordered to clear silt and maintain hygiene in nearby water bodies.

[Suo Motu v. State of Kerala & Ors]