Clean-up drive begins on Marudhamalai hill in Coimbatore amid concerns over waste dumping
A clean-up drive has been initiated at the Marudhamalai hill temple in Coimbatore following public outcry over accumulated waste. The HR&CE Department plans to fence the area to prevent future illegal dumping.
Why it matters
The incident highlights ongoing challenges in waste management at popular religious tourism sites and the role of digital media in prompting administrative accountability.
A clean-up drive to remove heaps of accumulated garbage near the parking area on Marudhamalai hill in Coimbatore began on Sunday (October 11, 2026), a day after The Hindu posted a video on X highlighting the longstanding waste disposal problem. The garbage was emitting a foul odour and affecting the experience of devotees visiting the hill temple.
SAD SIGHT: Stink emanating from #garbage littered in the vicinity of #Marudhamalai Subramaniaswamy Temple in #Coimbatore is a cause for disgust for pilgrims. 📹: @peri_periasamy / @THChennai @the_hindu https://t.co/QWILGFOhBk
A senior official of the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department said the department had been instructed by higher officials to clear the accumulated waste following the video. The clean-up drive was expected to be completed within a week. The department was also planning to fence the area near the parking lot to prevent further dumping, the official said.
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