Kerala Water Authority sets up water kiosks in Pamba

“Only if the pilgrims stop bringing plastic bottles can we make Sabarimala a waste free zone. The plant can produce 24, 000 litre daily and drinking water would be made available at kiosks placed enroute through pipes. The plant uses water from Pampa upper check dam,” Raju Abraham MLA said.

Every season, an estimated 20 lakh plastic bottles are being deposited by the pilgrims, posing a major hurdle to missions like ‘Green Sabarimala’.

The KWA incurs 50 paise for providing a litre of drinking water through the kiosks. The state government had earlier allotted Rs 24 lakh for setting up four plants, Pathanamthitta district collector S Harikishore said.

Meanwhile, Devaswom Board President Prayar Gopalakrishnan and his team conducted a 10-hour trek through the traditional forest route from Erumeli to Pamba to assess the facilities for pilgrims.

“It was decided to set up high mast lights at crucial points like Azhutakadavu. Steps were taken for ensuring uniform pricing for food materials at various stalls of the Eco Tourism Society. It was also decided to set up oxygen parlours and emergency medical centres at key points along the forest path. The Karimala Fort too will be renovated,” Gopalakrishnan said.