Sabarimala pilgrimage season: TDB plans stricter hygiene norms for hotels and food stalls

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Pathanamthitta: The Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) announced plans after the Edavam Masa Pooja in May to introduce stricter measures to ensure quality and hygiene standards in hotels and Food stalls operating at Sabarimala during the pilgrimage season.

As part of the proposed reforms, the board said it would revise the tender conditions for hotels functioning at Sannidhanam and Pampa. The new guidelines were expected to include mandatory checklists covering health cards for employees, cleanliness standards and proper waste management systems.(sabarimalauptodate.in)

According to sources, the board was also considering engaging reputed agencies such as Kudumbashree, Indian Coffee House and the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation (KTDC) to operate food outlets at the pilgrimage centres.

At the time, action against hotels was largely limited to inspections and fines imposed by the food safety department following complaints. Sources stated that several workers did not possess valid health cards, while many Food stalls failed to maintain adequate hygiene standards within and around their establishments. Complaints had also been raised regarding encroachments beyond the areas allotted by the board.

The proposed changes were part of the Vision Sabarimala project aimed at improving facilities and services for pilgrims visiting the shrine.(sabarimalauptodate.in)

Officials had clarified that private hotels participating in the tender process would not be completely excluded. However, stricter compliance with the revised guidelines would be enforced.

The board was also considering shifting the entire tender process to an e-tender system to enhance transparency and accountability.

Despite the board's annadanam scheme during the two-month Mandala-Makaravilakku pilgrimage season and monthly poojas, a significant number of pilgrims continued to rely on hotels and food stalls at Sannidhanam and Pampa for their meals.

There were also complaints about overcrowded stalls obstructing the movement of pilgrims. Officials had said that ensuring the convenience and safety of devotees would remain the top priority under the new arrangements.