SABARIMALA: The water in the Kunnar check-dam, one of the two dams which meet the water needs of Sannidhanam, including pooja purposes inside the Sreekovil and drinking water requirement, is highly polluted owing to lack of cleaning and safe upkeeping.
Absence of cleaning for years together and water pollution as a consequence of the falling of trees and leaves in the water catchment areas have resulted in the present adverse situation of water pollution.
Located about 10 km north-east of Lord Ayyappa Temple, hardly any Devaswom authorities have visited the place to look into the condition of the dams, especially the check-dam. Being located in the midst of thick forest, the check-dam lacks fencing and metal-nets to prevent pollutants.
Though the Kerala State Pollution Control Board (PCB) officials visited the dam during the beginning of the season, no follow-up action has been taken so far.
The forest and police personnel, who were on duty, had briefed the PCB officials about the polluted water in the dam, the duty personnel said. Built about 30 years ago to augment water supply from the Kunnar dam, hardly any repairing of the check-dam has been undertaken till date.