Online Booking Centre at Valardi to Support Sabarimala Pilgrims via Sathram Route: Know More Arrangements
Idukki: An inter-state coordination meeting chaired by the District Collectors of Idukki and Theni has decided to ensure a safe and smooth pilgrimage for devotees travelling to Sabarimala through Kumily and Vandiperiyar.
Idukki District Collector Dr. Dinesan Cheruvatt said arrangements would be made to provide pilgrims with essential facilities, including drinking water, food and medical assistance. Theni District Collector V. Sivakrishnamoorthy said the Theni administration would work closely with the Idukki district administration to ensure adequate transport, medical and other facilities for pilgrims.
This year, the Travancore Devaswom Board’s online Or Spot booking centre will operate at Valardi near Vandiperiyar. Pilgrims will undergo health screening there before being permitted to proceed through the forest route via Sathram. Those with health conditions, including heart-related ailments, will be advised to undertake the pilgrimage through the Pamba route instead.
The Theni district administration will conduct extensive awareness campaigns in Tamil Nadu on precautions and guidelines for pilgrims. More than one lakh pamphlets will be distributed, along with announcements through public-address systems, banners and bus stations. A 24-hour call centre will also be established. Reflective bands will be provided to pilgrims undertaking the trek on foot.
A road safety meeting will be held on October 29, followed by awareness programmes for pilgrims. Medical teams will be deployed along the Tamil Nadu border, with medical camps also being arranged.
The KSRTC will operate additional services to destinations including Palani and Dindigul, while additional bus services will also be operated from Tamil Nadu. Repairs and improvement works on major roads will be completed by November 10.
The meeting also decided to ensure adequate toilet facilities at Valardi, Sathram, Pullumedu, Mukkuzhi and Boys Ground in coordination with the Forest Department and local self-government institutions.
The District Collector said prices for food items sold along the pilgrimage routes, including at roadside stalls, have been fixed. Strict action will be taken against establishments found charging pilgrims more than the prescribed rates.
The Forest Department will open three additional service centres, or eco-shops, between Sathram and Pullumedu this season. The centres at Zero Point, Pullumedu and Kazhuthakuzhi will provide drinking water, kanji and light refreshments.
A watchtower will also be constructed between Pullumedu and Sannidhanam. In addition to a six-member Rapid Response Team, two eco-guards will be stationed at every 500-metre stretch between Pullumedu and Sannidhanam. Drone surveillance will also be carried out during daytime.
The Motor Vehicles Department will deploy six teams for round-the-clock patrolling. Arrangements have also been made to provide workshop assistance for vehicles that break down along the route. The District Collector directed officials to hold discussions with jeep operators, fix fares and display the rates in multiple languages.
The Kerala Water Authority will provide drinking water at 15 locations between Upputhara and Kozhikkanam.
To prevent the smuggling and use of narcotic substances, an Excise check post will be established at Kumily. Three teams will conduct simultaneous patrols in the area, with round-the-clock surveillance.
Control rooms headed by tahsildars will be established at Manjumala, Kumily, Periyar and the Peerumade Taluk Office to coordinate pilgrimage-related arrangements and respond to emergencies.
The meeting was held at Bamboo Groves in Kumily and was attended by Additional District Magistrate Mini K. John, Idukki RDO S. Sreejith, Uthamapalayam RDO Syed Mohiyuddin Ibrahim, Theni Additional Superintendent of Police N. Mahesh, Idukki DySP Rajan K. Aramana, Local Self-Government Department Joint Director R. Shaini and District Supply Officer G. Beena Bhadran, among others.