Kottayam Reviews Preparations for Sabarimala Mandala-Makaravilakku Pilgrimage Season
KOTTAYAM: Preparations underway in Kottayam district ahead of the upcoming Sabarimala Mandala-Makaravilakku pilgrimage season were reviewed at a meeting chaired by District Collector Chetan Kumar Meena. The meeting assessed arrangements at Erumeli and various pilgrim transit centres (edathavalams) across the district, with officials from different departments and institutions briefing the Collector on the measures being implemented.
The District Police Chief, K.M. Sabu Mathew, said comprehensive arrangements would be put in place to ensure the safety of pilgrims, smooth traffic management and adequate parking facilities throughout the pilgrimage period.
The meeting also discussed arrangements for pilgrims who may have to remain at Koyikkal Kavu if the forest route is closed. Officials were directed to ensure adequate facilities for such pilgrims.
The Collector instructed the concerned authorities to complete the repair and maintenance of all roads connected to the Sabarimala pilgrimage within the stipulated time. Warning boards will also be installed at accident-prone locations to alert pilgrims and motorists.
Food Safety and Price Display
The District Supply Officer was instructed to ensure that vendors at all major pilgrim destinations display price lists for food items clearly, enabling pilgrims to verify prices before making purchases.
The Food Safety Department will conduct strict inspections at Erumeli and other pilgrim transit centres to monitor the quality and safety of food served to devotees.
Arrangements for waste management will be finalised through a joint meeting involving the concerned grama panchayats and other departments.
The Travancore Devaswom Board will ensure the availability of drinking water, sanitation facilities and adequate lighting at the transit centres.
Temporary Dispensaries and Medical Facilities
Temporary medical facilities will be established at the Erumeli Devaswom Board ground and Kalaketti, while medical-aid counters will be arranged at various transit centres.
Adequate medical personnel will be deployed at all important locations, and mobile medical teams will patrol the pilgrimage routes to provide emergency assistance to devotees.
Lifeguards and Fire Safety Arrangements
Lifeguards will be deployed at bathing ghats used by pilgrims. The personnel will receive training from the Fire and Rescue Services Department to strengthen their ability to respond to emergencies.
A temporary fire station and a special fire and rescue unit will also be established at Erumeli during the pilgrimage season.
Officials were further directed to ensure an uninterrupted supply of safe drinking water and complete the installation of lighting along the forest pilgrimage route within the scheduled timeframe.
The district administration said coordinated efforts by various departments would be undertaken to ensure that pilgrims travelling through Erumeli and other parts of Kottayam district receive safe, orderly and essential facilities throughout the Mandala-Makaravilakku pilgrimage season.