The Central Government informed the Kerala High Court that forest lands forming part of Periyar Tiger Reserve cannot be diverted for the development of Sabarimala pilgrim centre without the prior permission of the Supreme Court, as well as that of the Central Government, as it is a non-forest purpose. The Central Government also informed the High Court that any further Central funds for the project for making river Pamba pollution-free under the National River Conservation Plan, can be made available to the State only after getting a certificate for utilisation of Rs 75 lakh already allotted as the first instalment o6f the Central share of Rs 12.92 crore.