Kerala’s only Parasurama Temple at Thiruvallom here has lost all its sanctity as the ‘theertha kadavu’ or the ‘bali kadavu’, the bathing ghat, has turned a dump yard. The heavy pollution of the River Karamana has created unhygienic conditions for devotees visiting the Parasurama temple to pay homage to their forefathers.
What if the customary bath is not done? This is something that the local residents and devotees ask the authorities. The situation turns pathetic with the stagnant water, accompanied by the stench in the ghat, keeping away even the most determined devotees from taking a dip. Showers along the bank are the only alternative for the devotees coming here.
Local residents are demanding governmental action to check the pollution of the river. They are joining hands to highlight the health problems that people face owing to the polluted water.
Around 1,500 devotees visit the place daily. But those who travel long distances to pay homage feel discomfort after coming here as the water has turned black with bone pieces, broken pots and other items scattered here and there. Small worms can also be seen wriggling.
“I have been working here for past six years as cleaner and now the situation has turned worse as I am having severe itching problem in my legs. But as this is the only way for me to feed my family I have to continue working here. It is a serious issue where the government has to take immediate action,” said Sukhu.
The pollution of the water has reached a state where the officials have been forced to put up posters on the banks warning devotees against bathing or swimming here.
The warning signs also caution people against even stepping into the river, because it could cause diseases including rat fever and jaundice.
Meanwhile, Gopalan Nair, 90, who lives on the bank of the river remembers that earlier the river water was used even for drinking. For the people of Thiruvallom, it is not just about a health situation.
They host one of the main venues chosen by devotees statewide for the ‘balitharpanam’ ritual.
Meanwhile, the temple authorities said that they have been taking measures to clear the area of waste. However, it is quite an impossible task as the number of people coming here is increasing every day, they said.
