Strict Food Safety Inspections, Medical and Drinking Water Facilities to Be Improved Ahead of Sabarimala Pilgrimage Season
Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala government is strengthening food safety and healthcare arrangements at Sabarimala ahead of the upcoming Mandala-Makaravilakku pilgrimage season, with authorities preparing for an expected increase in pilgrim footfall compared with the previous season.
The measures were discussed at a review meeting held in Thiruvananthapuram on Friday, attended by Devaswom Minister K. Muraleedharan, Travancore Devaswom Board president K. Jayakumar, MLAs, senior TDB officials and heads of various government departments.
Strict Food Safety Monitoring
The Food Safety Department will conduct strict inspections at Sabarimala to ensure that food supplied to pilgrims meets the required safety and quality standards.
The inspections will cover food served to devotees during the pilgrimage season, with authorities focusing on preventing the distribution of unsafe or substandard food. The department will strengthen monitoring in view of the anticipated increase in the number of pilgrims.
The measures are aimed at ensuring that food safety standards are consistently maintained across facilities serving devotees and that any violations are identified and addressed promptly.
Healthcare and Medical Facilities
The Health Department will strengthen hospital and ambulance facilities at Sabarimala and along the pilgrimage routes to ensure timely medical assistance for pilgrims.
The enhanced arrangements are being planned in view of the expected increase in pilgrim numbers. Medical facilities and emergency services will be strengthened to respond to the healthcare needs of devotees during the pilgrimage season.
Drinking Water Quality
Ensuring safe drinking water will also be a key part of the health and safety arrangements. The Water Resources Department will oversee drinking-water facilities for pilgrims.
An accredited laboratory will be arranged to test the quality of drinking water, allowing authorities to monitor water safety and address any concerns during the pilgrimage season.
The combined measures on food safety, healthcare and drinking-water quality are aimed at reducing health risks and ensuring safer pilgrimage conditions for devotees.
The authorities have directed the departments concerned to complete the arrangements within the stipulated timeframe and strengthen coordination ahead of the pilgrimage season.