Mandala-Makaravilakku Pilgrimage: Government Plans Free Internet and New Facilities Along Pilgrim Routes and Edathavalams
Pathanamthitta: The Local Self-Government Department and district administrations are fully prepared to provide safe, convenient and pilgrim-friendly facilities ahead of the upcoming Sabarimala Mandala-Makaravilakku pilgrimage season, Local Self-Government Department Minister K.M. Shaji said.
The minister made the statement at a review meeting held at the Pathanamthitta Collectorate to assess preparations by local bodies and government departments in the districts connected with the Sabarimala pilgrimage.
Pilgrim centres to become information hubs
The Local Self-Government Department is planning direct intervention at the grassroots level to ensure better services for pilgrims, the minister said.
A key proposal is to transform edathavalams (pilgrim halting centres) along the Sabarimala routes from mere resting points into comprehensive information centres.
These centres are expected to provide pilgrims with information on:
- Distances to important destinations
- Available transportation facilities
- Emergency helpline numbers
- Nearby hospitals
- Restaurants and food facilities
- Other essential pilgrim services
The government is also considering introducing QR-code facilities at all edathavalams through which pilgrims can quickly submit complaints and suggestions and seek emergency assistance.
Charging points and free internet
The shortage of mobile charging facilities at pilgrim centres will also be addressed. The department is exploring the use of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds to install adequate mobile charging points at edathavalams.
Discussions will also be held with service providers to provide free internet connectivity at important pilgrim centres and along pilgrimage routes.
Local bodies have been instructed to ensure adequate drinking water, street lighting and scientific waste management throughout the pilgrimage routes.
Officials have also been directed to ensure that public toilets and Take-a-Break centres are fully operational during the season.
Safety measures at bathing ghats
Joint inspections will be conducted at bathing ghats and other potentially dangerous locations along the pilgrimage routes.
The inspections will focus on installing:
- Warning boards
- Barricades
- Safety arrangements
- Other necessary preventive measures
The minister also directed officials to identify areas prone to accidents and take corrective measures before the arrival of large numbers of pilgrims.
Traffic and encroachment control
Special measures will be taken to regulate congestion at major transit points, including Pandalam.
Authorities will also act against roadside encroachments and unauthorised parking that could obstruct traffic and create difficulties for pilgrims.
Police assistance centres and mobile toilets will be arranged at locations where they are required, the meeting decided.
MLA calls for stronger facilities along key routes
MLA Pazhakulam Madhu called for strengthening facilities in local bodies located close to Sabarimala, including Perunad, Vechoochira, Naranammoozhy, Vadasserikkara and Pazhavangadi.
He pointed out that local bodies situated on the major routes to Sabarimala face considerable pressure due to the large influx of pilgrims and sought additional government support and better coordination for these areas.
MLA Abin Varkey stressed the need for coordinated action by local bodies in areas including Aranmula to ensure adequate infrastructure and sanitation during the pilgrimage season.
He called for facilities to be arranged in advance, taking into account the additional traffic and crowd generated by pilgrims.
MLA C.V. Shanthakumar called for ensuring all necessary facilities for pilgrims at the Pandalam edathavalam.
Coordinated monitoring of local-body preparations
Local Self-Government Department Principal Director Divya S. Iyer said coordinated monitoring would be ensured for the preparations being undertaken by local bodies in connection with the Sabarimala pilgrimage.
Information on infrastructure at various edathavalams will be collected and necessary interventions will be made, she said.
Special attention will be given to:
- Sanitation
- Toilets
- Drinking water
- Waste management
- Electricity
Mobile charging facilities
District Panchayat President Deenamma Roy requested adequate financial and administrative support from the government for local bodies undertaking Sabarimala-related preparations.
Preparations reviewed across four districts
The meeting reviewed preparations at Sabarimala edathavalams in Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Kollam and Alappuzha districts.
Officials said preparations were progressing at 13 edathavalams under the Travancore Devaswom Board in Pathanamthitta district, as well as eight edathavalams managed under local-body initiatives.
Arrangements for waste management, drinking water and toilet facilities are currently under way.
Steps have also been initiated to install additional mobile charging points at edathavalams using CSR funds.
Considering the expected rush during the pilgrimage season, officials were directed to arrange additional toilets, waste-management facilities, drinking-water points and traffic-management measures wherever required.
Minister inspects Pamba and Nilakkal
Following the review meeting, Minister K.M. Shaji visited Pamba and Nilakkal to assess the arrangements on the ground.
The minister inspected the Nilakkal parking ground, Pamba bathing ghat, queue complexes and the premises of the Ganapathi Temple, among other locations.
At Pamba, he directed the Travancore Devaswom Board to ensure the timely removal of clothes abandoned by pilgrims after bathing as well as other waste.
He also stressed the need to maintain cleanliness at both Pamba and Nilakkal and ensure effective waste management throughout the pilgrimage period.
The minister said all arrangements under the Local Self-Government Department would be completed ahead of the high-level review meeting scheduled to be held at Pamba in the presence of the Chief Minister.
Drawing on lessons from previous pilgrimage seasons, the government aims to ensure a well-coordinated and trouble-free Sabarimala pilgrimage season, he said.