The Madras High Court has warned against dumping waste into the Thamirabarani river during religious rituals. Citing reports of nearly one tonne of clothing discarded daily, the bench emphasized that religious freedom does not override environmental laws. The court is seeking stakeholder proposals by July 16 to address the significant ecological damage and public health risks.
The Madras High Court has issued a stern reminder that religious practices must not compromise environmental safety or public health. In a recent hearing, Justices GR Swaminathan and B Pugalendhi addressed the growing pollution in the Thamirabarani river, specifically caused by the disposal of garments, plastic items, and other waste during funeral and religious ceremonies in the Tirunelveli district.
Scale of Environmental Impact
The court highlighted alarming data regarding the volume of waste entering the water body. Evidence presented during the proceedings indicated that approximately one tonne of clothing is discarded into the river every single day. Recent cleanup efforts between May 7 and May 28 alone recovered between 86 and 90 tonnes of discarded clothes. Beyond textiles, the waste includes significant quantities of glass bottles, plastic materials, and sanitary items, all of which threaten the river's ecological balance.
Constitutional and Legal Context
The bench clarified that while Article 25 of the Constitution protects religious freedom, this right is not absolute and must operate within the limits of other fundamental rights. The court specifically invoked Article 21, which guarantees the right to a clean and healthy environment for all citizens. Furthermore, the observations were framed within the requirements of the Tamil Nadu Public Health Act and the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, which mandate the protection of water sources from contamination.
Ecological Risks and Next Steps
Beyond human health concerns, the court noted the direct threat to aquatic life. The accumulation of non-biodegradable polyester clothing encourages bacterial growth and poses physical dangers to river wildlife, such as turtles becoming entangled in discarded materials. To address these issues, the court has refrained from issuing immediate prohibitory orders, choosing instead to engage with all affected parties to find a sustainable solution. The Tirunelveli District Collector has been tasked with organizing public awareness initiatives and gathering formal proposals from stakeholders. The court has scheduled further hearings for July 16, where these proposals will be reviewed to determine the path forward for preserving the river.