Human rights commission takes action regarding pollution in well water near temple

Alexander Thomas, Chairperson of the State Human Rights Commission, has intervened to resolve allegations of pollution in the well water near the Tiruvārinnikkulam Devi Temple, according to a report by The Hindu.

A resident named Sujikummar had filed an application with the Commission alleging that pollution had spread in the well water around the temple during the 10-day Nadatharrappu festival, which is attended by thousands of people every year. Sujikummar lives approximately 300 metres from the temple entrance and complained that pollution was observed in his well water during the festival.

The Sub-Collector of Kochi submitted a report to the Commission in this matter, stating that the Kochi Devaswom Board, State Pollution Control Board (PCB), and Srimulanagaram Panchayat had been instructed to take immediate action. The Pollution Control Board has instructed the temple that treated water should be used for agricultural purposes. Additionally, the new plant will be permitted to operate only after complying with the Board's guidelines.

Temple committee officials and the Pollution Control Board have assured the Commission that the water pollution problem will be permanently resolved once the new waste treatment plant at the temple becomes operational. In this regard, a wastewater storage tank with a capacity of 6 lakh litres has been constructed. The 2026 festival will be used as a full test to check the efficiency of this plant.

The Human Rights Commission has ordered the Secretary of Srimulanagaram Panchayat to test samples of the well water in the area around the temple after the new treatment plant starts and submit a report to the Commission. The next hearing of this case will take place during the Commission's September session. The applicant, an environmental engineer, and the Panchayat Secretary have been asked to be present at this hearing.

During the investigation, several other violations were also observed, such as inadequate dust control measures, improper storage and disposal of construction waste, and excessive noise.

Tiruvārinnikkulam Devi Temple is a well-known religious site where the 10-day Nadatharrappu festival was celebrated every year. A large number of devotees would flock to this festival.