Night Access to Sabarimala’s Forest Trek Route Sparks Debate Ahead of Pilgrimage Season
Pathanamthitta: With the Sabarimala pilgrimage season approaching, the issue of access to the traditional Erumely–Pampa forest trekking route has come into focus, with Poonjar MLA M.J. Sebastian seeking permission for pilgrims to use the 30.7-km route around the clock during the Mandala-Makaravilakku season.
Mr. Sebastian has argued that extending access to 24 hours would help regulate pilgrim movement, reduce congestion and make the traditional forest trek more convenient for devotees. The Forest department, however, has maintained that the existing restrictions are necessary to protect pilgrims from potential encounters with wildlife, particularly along the sections passing through the core forest.
The traditional trekking route begins at Koyikkakavu near Erumely. The section from Koyikkakavu to Kalaketty comes under the Kottayam Forest Division, while the remaining stretch falls within the Periyar Tiger Reserve (West). Pilgrim movement is regulated through forest check posts to ensure that devotees do not remain inside the forest beyond the permitted hours.
Staggered entry timings
Under the existing system, pilgrims arriving at Koyikkakavu are permitted to enter the forest in batches between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. Access is subsequently regulated at various points along the route. Entry at Azhuthakadav closes at 2.30 p.m., while access at Mukkuzhi closes at 3.30 p.m.
The staggered timings are intended to ensure that pilgrims progressively clear the forest corridor before the designated closing period, thereby limiting human movement inside the forest during the evening and night.
Mr. Sebastian has questioned the need for the restrictions if adequate safety arrangements can be put in place.
“There are no reasons to retain the restrictions if pilgrims could be allowed to use the route safely throughout the day. If there is no court directive against it, pilgrims should be allowed to trek round the clock,” he said.
The MLA said he had already held discussions with Forest Minister Shibu Baby John and maintained that there was no administrative obstacle to implementing the proposal.
Forest officials oppose night access
Forest officials, however, have raised serious concerns over the proposal, particularly the prospect of pilgrims entering the forest after dark.
According to a senior Forest department official, nearly 18 km of the stretch between Azhuthakadav and Pampa passes through core forest, where wildlife moves freely.
“This is a free-moving area for wild animals, and they use the trekking path at night. Allowing pilgrims to pass through during these hours would pose a serious risk to their safety,” the official said.
The department maintains that the existing restrictions are primarily intended to minimise the possibility of human-wildlife encounters. Officials have also pointed to seasonal changes in the availability of water inside the forest.
As the pilgrimage season progresses after the monsoon, several natural water sources in the forest tend to diminish. Wild animals may consequently move towards the Pampa river in search of water, increasing the possibility of their presence closer to the trekking corridor.
Wildlife movement a key concern
The Forest department has also highlighted the presence of nocturnal wildlife, including venomous snakes, along the route. Officials caution that extending pilgrim movement into the night could increase the possibility of encounters with animals that are naturally active during those hours.
The department has further warned that continuous human movement through the forest could disrupt established wildlife corridors and feeding and watering patterns. If animals are prevented from using their regular routes to reach water and food sources, they could potentially be pushed towards areas of human habitation.
The dispute over the timing of access to the Erumely–Pampa route thus brings into focus a larger challenge for the Sabarimala pilgrimage administration: ensuring safe and efficient movement of thousands of pilgrims while preserving the ecological integrity of a wildlife-rich forest landscape.
A decision on any relaxation of the existing timings will ultimately have to take into account pilgrim safety, wildlife movement and the regulations governing the protected forest areas through which the traditional route passes.