P. Vijayan Exonerated as Sabarimala Cleanliness Drive Resumes Under Police Leadership
The Kerala Home Department has cleared ADGP P. Vijayan of all misconduct allegations, ordering the immediate revival of the Punyam Poonkavanam project. This flagship community policing initiative returns to Sabarimala after a three-year hiatus.
Clearance for ADGP P. Vijayan Following Years of Inquiry
The Kerala State Home Department has formally exonerated P. Vijayan, Additional Director General of Police (Law & Order), ending years of legal and administrative scrutiny. Investigated for his role as the former nodal officer of the Punyam Poonkavanam project, Vijayan faced allegations regarding fund collection and administrative conduct. An inquiry conducted by the Additional Chief Secretary (Home) concluded that no evidence existed to support claims of authority misuse, misconduct, or mala fide intent. Consequently, the government has directed Vijayan to restart the initiative while simultaneously appointing him as the Chief Police Coordinator for the upcoming Sabarimala season.
The Evolution and Hiatus of Punyam Poonkavanam
Founded in 2011, Punyam Poonkavanam began as a community-driven policing effort to maintain cleanliness across the Sannidhanam, Pampa, and greater pilgrimage zones. The program relied on the voluntary participation of pilgrims, the Travancore Devaswom Board, and various state stakeholders. Although the Kerala High Court designated Vijayan as nodal officer in 2015, the project stalled when the court initiated suo motu proceedings. These proceedings followed a report from the Sabarimala Special Commissioner regarding fund-related complaints in Erumeli, leading to an adverse report by the then-Chief Police Coordinator.
Impact and Global Recognition
Before its suspension nearly three years ago, the project had grown into a massive volunteer network. Key statistics and milestones include:
- Operation through 1,869 distinct centers across five southern Indian states.
- Mobilization of more than 10,000 active volunteers.
- Endorsement by the Union government as a model for the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan campaign.
- Participation from high-profile figures, including the Governor of Kerala and several Supreme Court and High Court judges.
During the interim period where the police-led initiative was shelved, the Travancore Devaswom Board managed sanitation through its own parallel campaign, Pavithram Sabarimala, using members of the Vishuddhi Sena. The new government order effectively restores the original police-supervised model, citing it as an exemplary community project for the hill shrine.
Source: The Hindu — News
