Kochi, The Kerala High Court expressed strong displeasure over the lack of cleanliness at water kiosks installed by the water authority along the pathway to Sannidhanam in Sabarimala and directed that they be maintained in a “pristine and hygienic condition” throughout the pilgrimage season.
The court has made it clear that the responsibility for maintaining the kiosks shall not be confined to their initial installation or occasional inspection and they must remain clean, functional and safe throughout the season. “Such an incident is wholly unacceptable and must not recur. The court was hearing a petition initiated by it based on a report of the Sabarimala Special Commissioner regarding the existing facilities and arrangements to be made at the shrine ahead of the 2026-27 Mandalakala-Makaravilakkau pilgrimage season.
The Kerala Water Authority shall, therefore, undertake a thorough inspection of the electrical installations, wiring and other connected equipment at every water kiosk and ensure that all exposed or defective wiring is rectified immediately,” the court has directed.
“The statement shall also indicate the officers and other personnel stationed at Sannidhanam who are entrusted with the responsibility of ensuring that the kiosks and other equipment installed by the Authority remain functional, clean and safe,” the court has said.
The amicus curiae appearing for the Special Commissioner had placed before the court photographs of the unhygienic conditions at the water kiosks, leading to the issuance of the directives.
