Ahead of Sabarimala Pilgrimage Season, Government Sanctions ₹551 Crore for PWD Works; CM Gives Immediate Approval
Thiruvananthapuram: With only a few months remaining for the upcoming Sabarimala pilgrimage season, the Kerala Government has stepped up preparations by sanctioning ₹551.5011 crore to the Public Works Department (PWD) for construction and infrastructure-related works connected with the pilgrimage.(sabarimalauptodate.in)
Chief Minister V. D. Satheesan gave immediate approval to the proposal submitted by the Public Works Minister following a review meeting on Sabarimala preparations. The state government had allocated ₹377.80 crore in 2025–26 and ₹326.97 crore in 2024–25 for Sabarimala pilgrimage-related preparatory works.
The Chief Minister directed officials to ensure that preparatory works are completed well before the pilgrimage begins, so that the situation of continuing major works after the start of the pilgrimage does not arise this year. He stressed that there should be no lapse in ensuring facilities and safety for pilgrims.
Satheesan also directed the authorities to establish a joint control room at Sannidhanam, bringing together officials from all departments involved in Sabarimala arrangements.
He instructed authorities to conduct cleanliness drives at Pampa, Sannidhanam and the base camps, while ensuring that clothes accumulating at Pampa are removed promptly. The availability of essential materials required for the distribution of prasadam should also be ensured in advance.
The Chief Minister further directed officials to verify the structural safety of buildings, fire-safety arrangements and electrical safety at Sabarimala and other pilgrimage centres. Construction works at accommodation and other facilities directly undertaken by the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) should be expedited.
Special attention should be given to toilet hygiene, overall cleanliness and water availability at pilgrimage centres. Parking grounds should also be kept clear and should not be allowed to become overgrown with vegetation.(sabarimalauptodate.in)
The TDB was asked to ensure adequate accommodation and other facilities for government personnel, including police officers and healthcare workers, who are required to stay at Sabarimala during the pilgrimage season.
The Chief Minister also cautioned against installing barricades in a manner that could pose a danger to Sabarimala pilgrims, directing officials to ensure that crowd-management arrangements do not compromise pilgrim safety.