Thiruvananthapuram: To tackle sanitation challenges during the pilgrimage season at Sabarimala Temple, authorities are deploying four mobile sewage treatment plants. Minister MB Rajesh recently flagged off two of these plants in Thiruvananthapuram, with the remaining two scheduled to arrive at Sabarimala by December 15. The initiative aims to enhance waste management and ensure environmental sustainability during the pilgrimage season.
These advanced treatment units, operated by the WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) Institute, will function in critical areas such as Pamba, Nilakkal, and Erumeli under the AMRUT (Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation) Mission. Each unit has a capacity to process 6,000 litres of sewage daily, minimizing the environmental impact of the massive influx of devotees. The plants will remain active until the pilgrimage season concludes, and their performance will be assessed for potential use at other sites in the future.
In addition to the mobile units, authorities have installed 2,288 conventional toilets and 233 eco-friendly facilities, including bio-toilets and bio-urinals, across key locations. An enforcement squad has been tasked with maintaining hygiene standards through regular inspections.
This initiative is expected to set a benchmark for sanitation management at large-scale religious events, contributing significantly to sustainable waste management practices. The launch event in Thiruvananthapuram saw participation from AMRUT Mission Director Suraj Shaji, Indian Bank zonal manager Saji Kumar, and WASH Institute representative Shibil A Huwais.
