Kochi: The Kerala High Court has directed the Cochin Devaswom Board (CDB) to take sustained and comprehensive measures to maintain cleanliness and hygiene at the Chottanikkara Bhagavathy Temple premises, citing serious concerns over waste management and sanitation.

The court instructed the Board to examine the inspection report submitted by Suchitwa Mission regarding existing solid waste management and liquid waste disposal practices at the temple.

Suchitwa Mission report under review

The Suchitwa Mission report, prepared following a court-ordered inspection, contains detailed recommendations on solid waste segregation, disposal systems, liquid waste management mechanisms and allied sanitation measures to be implemented within the temple complex.

Taking note of these findings, the High Court directed the Cochin Devaswom Board to submit a detailed statement outlining the timeframe and manner in which the recommendations will be implemented. The matter has been posted for further consideration on February 20.

Earlier observations on deplorable conditions

The inspection was conducted pursuant to an earlier order of the court in December, when it observed that the temple surroundings were in a deplorable condition. The court had noted the presence of plastic waste, food remnants and garbage strewn indiscriminately in and around the temple premises.

At that time, the bench had remarked that the measures adopted by the temple authorities were wholly inadequate and posed serious environmental, public health and sanitation risks at a site of significant religious importance.

The Chottanikkara Bhagavathy Temple is regarded as one of the 108 Abhimana Kshethrams of the Vaishnavite tradition and attracts thousands of devotees daily.

The latest directive underscores the judiciary’s emphasis on strengthening waste management systems and ensuring hygienic conditions at major pilgrimage centres in Kerala.

PTI