Kerala HC flags environmental concerns over Sabarimala ropeway proposal

Kochi: The Kerala High Court has asked the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) to clarify its position on the proposed ropeway project at Sabarimala temple, raising concerns over environmental and infrastructural impact.

During a hearing on Friday, a Division Bench comprising Justice V Raja Vijayaraghavan and Justice K V Jayakumar asked the Deputy Solicitor General to obtain instructions from the MoEFCC regarding the feasibility of building the ropeway, which would pass through the Periyar Tiger Reserve.

The matter was brought before the court as a suo motu case, based on findings submitted by the Advocate Commissioner.

Sabarimala, located in the Western Ghats in Kerala’s Pathanamthitta district, is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in India. Situated at an altitude of 3,000 feet, the journey to the shrine traditionally involves a 41-day penance followed by a barefoot climb from the Pampa River.

The proposed ropeway, planned by M/s. Eighteeth Step Damodar Cable Company Ltd, is intended to ease access—but it has raised a number of environmental and logistical questions.

Court criticises lack of basic infrastructure, missing details in project plan

In oral observations, the High Court expressed serious concerns about the project’s practicality and necessity:

"Why would someone do this? You don't even have the capacity to provide toilets to all these people. Why do you want all these people to go there? How is it possible? I don't know."

The court also noted that the ropeway proposal lacked basic clarity regarding the route and environmental impact:

"From the sketches provided, it doesn't appear from where to where this path is being cut. What is the length – absolutely nothing. What is stated is that a 12-metre-wide forest and trees will be cut and removed, and they will install 6 or 7 pillars and then take it up."

Doubts over environmental compensation

It was submitted that 10 acres of compensatory afforestation would be carried out in Thenmala. However, the Bench expressed concern over whether this was adequate or appropriate. "This forest is different from Thenmala... If it is a tourist destination, you can take a ropeway or whatever. Here you look at the facilities there."

When comparisons were drawn to the Palani cable car system, the court made it clear that Sabarimala’s situation was unique. "Sabarimala is different. No tree was cut in Palani."

The High Court has postponed the case for 10 days.

With IANS inputs