Pathanamthitta Restricts Tourist Travel; Sabarimala Pilgrims Allowed to Continue Journey, Safety Advisory Issued
Pathanamthitta, Kerala: The Pathanamthitta district administration has imposed restrictions due to the continuing heavy rainfall in the district. Considering the adverse weather conditions, heavy rain, the risk of landslides, and dangers in forest areas, the District Collector has temporarily banned tourist visits to the hilly regions of the district.
However, Sabarimala pilgrims have been exempted from these restrictions. Devotees travelling to Sabarimala for darshan can continue their pilgrimage but have been advised to exercise extreme caution.
Precautionary Guidelines for Pilgrims
- Avoid travelling at night as far as possible.
- Do not park vehicles in isolated forest areas or unsafe roadside locations.
- Do not stop or stay unnecessarily in forest stretches or landslide-prone areas.
- Use only parking areas and rest centres authorised by the authorities.
- Do not bathe or engage in adventure activities in waterfalls, rivers, streams, ponds, or other water bodies.
- Avoid spending unnecessary time near water bodies, as water levels may rise suddenly due to heavy rain.
- Be extra cautious in areas prone to landslides, mudslides, and falling trees.
- Do not stop vehicles or step out in areas where the presence of wild animals has been reported.
- Strictly follow warnings and instructions issued by the Police, Forest Department, Revenue Department, Disaster Management Authority, and other officials.
- Avoid unnecessary travel and sightseeing stops during adverse weather conditions.
- In case of an emergency, immediately inform the Police, Disaster Management Authority, or the concerned government department.
The District Police Chief also urged the public and Sabarimala pilgrims to remain vigilant during the adverse weather and to strictly follow the instructions issued by the police and other authorities.
As per the instructions of the Police Chief, a 24-hour control room has been set up at the Pathanamthitta District Police Office. The public can call the mobile numbers 9497960963 and 9497908045 and the landline number 0468 2222600 to report information related to the rainstorm and request assistance at any time. The District Police Chief also informed that emergency assistance will be provided immediately in collaboration with the Disaster Management Department of the District Collectorate.