SUO MOTU Vs. STATE OF KERALA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The Special Commissioner, Sabarimala, has filed this report pursuant to the order of this Court dtd. 16/2/2022 in DBP No.3 of 2022. That DBP relates to the leasing out of PambaTriveni Manappuram to Shri Nandakishore Bajoria Charitable Trust for conducting a programme by name 'Ramakatha', from 19/2/2022 till 27/2/2022. That DBP was disposed of with various directions and the Special Commissioner, Sabarimala, was directed to submit a report as to the measures that have to be taken to ensure that similar incidents are not repeated at Pamba Manappuram, in future.

(2.) In the report dtd. 9/3/2022 filed by the Special Commissioner, Sabarimala, based on which this DBP is registered, it is stated that Pamba and Sabarimala are declared as Special Security Zones by the Kerala Police. After the flood in the year 2018, Pamba Manappuram and Pamba river had undergone geographical changes. Due to the deposit of pebbles and silt, the riverbed has raised considerably. Ramamoorthy Mandapam, a semi-permanent auditorium in Pamba Manappuram is completely washed out. Pamba Manappuram is an important transit point for Sabarimala pilgrims. They perform ritual bathing, ablutions and balitharpanam at Pamba. From the point of crowd management as well Pamba Manappuram assumes importance during festival seasons and also when Sabarimala Temple opens for Masa Pooja (monthly pooja).

(3.) In the report, the Special Commissioner has stated that the Board can use Pamba Manappuram only for providing amenities and facilities for pilgrims. During the last few seasons flash flood occurred in Pamba, which inundated Pamba Manappuram unexpectedly. Therefore, it is not advisable to use Pamba Manappuram for erecting huge temporary sheds, tents and auditoriums, like the constructions made by Shri Nandakishore Bajoria Trust. The monsoon season commences from June and it continues till September. In November, December and February, due to Sabarimala pilgrimage and the presence of a large number of pilgrims, programmes which require erection of temporary sheds occupying the space of Pamba Manappuram is not possible. In the report dtd. 9/3/2022, the Special Commissioner, Sabarimala, has suggested various measures, if the Board is desirous of conducting any such programmes in future, for providing amenities and facilities for pilgrims or for the benefit of Sabrimala pilgrims or if cultural organisations intend to conduct functions at Pamba Manappuram for the benefit of the pilgrims.