The Kerala High Court has directed the Cochin Devaswom Board (CDB) to take sustained and effective steps to maintain the Chottanikkara Bhagavathy Temple premises in a clean, hygienic, and orderly condition at all times.
A bench of the High Court passed the directive after considering a detailed inspection report submitted by the Suchitwa Mission, which examined the current waste management practices in and around the temple. The court observed that the report included specific directions and recommendations concerning solid and liquid waste management systems as well as broader sanitation measures to be undertaken within the temple compound.
The Chottanikkara Bhagavathy Temple holds immense religious significance, being listed among the 108 Abhimana Kshethrams (sacred temples) of the Vaishnavite tradition.
The High Court had earlier, in December last year, expressed serious concern over the unhygienic conditions around the temple. The bench had noted that the area was in a “deplorable condition,” with plastic waste, food remnants, and garbage strewn indiscriminately in and around the temple’s premises. It had further remarked that the existing measures adopted by the temple authorities were “wholly inadequate” and posed “serious environmental, public health, and sanitation concerns” at a site of great spiritual and cultural importance.
In response, the court had ordered the Suchitwa Mission to carry out an inspection and prepare a report.
The High Court has now asked the Devaswom Board to carefully examine the report and submit a detailed statement indicating how and when it intends to implement the recommendations. This should include both the proposed timeline and the manner of execution. The matter has been listed for further hearing on February 20.
