Incinerators to eliminate sewage wastes in Sabarimala

Three incinerators work closely with effective waste management in Sabarimala. 25 - 30 tractor loads of organic and inorganic wastes arrive at the incinerator every day. One out of every three units is capable of processing 300 kg of waste per hour. The other two units can process up to 200 kg of garbage per hour. The waste collection from Marakkoottam to the Sannidhanam is brought here. The treatment process is carried out according to the types of organic and inorganic wastes. Up to 350 liters of diesel per day is required to operate the furnace.

 The number of plastic bottles has declined significantly in recent years. The use of plastic bottles was decreased by the provision of clean drinking water to the Ayyappans across the Pilgrimage path. This is considered as one of the major achievements of the Punyam Poonkavanam project.

Umashankar, an environmental supervisor who heads the plant of the Travancore Devaswom Board, said about 60 people were working in three shift at the three incinerator units. Each of the incinerators is functioning in Pampa and Nilakkal.

Plastic waste from commercial establishments and small packets contained in the Irumudikettu  are difficult to process. As part of the Punyam Poonkavanam project, there is a constant awareness that the small plastic packets in the Irumudikettu are completely discarded. The sanctity of the garden can be maintained only if the devotees completely discard the plastic.