‘If This Situation Continues, We May Have to Consider Alternative Arrangements’: CM Reviews Sabarimala Preparations
Thiruvananthapuram: Chief Minister V. D. Satheesan criticised the Devaswom Public Works wing over the delay in construction and other works at Sabarimala and Nilakkal during a review meeting on preparations for the upcoming Mandala-Makaravilakku pilgrimage season.(sabarimalauptodate.in)
The Chief Minister expressed dissatisfaction over the delay in making the parking grounds ready and warned the Chief Engineer that the government may have to consider alternative arrangements if the situation continues.
The differences between the government and the Travancore Devaswom Board were also reflected during the meeting.(sabarimalauptodate.in)
Devaswom Minister K. Muraleedharan warned that the government would not remain a silent spectator if there were any lapses in the supply of Appam and Aravana prasadam. He also criticised the delay in completing the tender process for procuring jaggery, pointing out that the contract had been awarded in June last year.
The minister said any failure in the distribution of Appam and Aravana would affect the government and warned that it would not simply stand by and watch.
Travancore Devaswom Board President K. Jayakumar assured the meeting that all arrangements would be completed before the pilgrimage season.
Public Works Minister P. K. Basheer complained about the delay in receiving a response regarding the Chalakkayam-Pampa road. He said the road could continue to remain under the ownership of the Devaswom Board and that the government was ready to carry out repairs at a cost of ₹15 crore.
The Transport Minister said buses would be leased to operate services between Pampa and Nilakkal during the pilgrimage season.
The State Police Chief proposed allowing 75,000 pilgrims per day for darshan. He said the number could be increased depending on the crowd situation, in coordination with the Travancore Devaswom Board.
AI cameras will be installed at Pampa, Nilakkal and Sannidhanam to strengthen crowd monitoring and management.
A meeting chaired by the Chief Secretary will be held to decide the further course of action. Another review meeting will also be held at Pampa under the chairmanship of the Chief Minister.