Sabarimala Pilgrimage: No Viri Facilities at Vandiperiyar Sathram This Season
SABARIMALA: Pilgrims visiting Sabarimala during the upcoming Mandala-Makaravilakku season will not have rest and accommodation facilities (Viri) at Vandiperiyar Sathram this year, officials have announced.
Instead, extensive parking and Viri facilities will be arranged at Vallardi(Wallardi), along with an online booking system through the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB).
The decision was taken at a joint meeting of Kerala and Tamil Nadu officials to review pilgrimage arrangements. KSRTC will also operate additional bus services to destinations including Palani and Dindigul.
To ensure pilgrim safety, the Forest Department and Motor Vehicles Department will introduce additional security measures along the pilgrimage routes. Drone surveillance, Rapid Response Teams and eco-guards will be deployed between Pullumedu and Sannidhanam.
Six Motor Vehicles Department teams will conduct round-the-clock patrols. The Kerala Water Authority will also provide drinking water at 15 locations between Uppupara and Kozhikkanam.
Officials have directed that repair works on major pilgrimage roads be completed by November 10.
Meanwhile, Excise inspections will be strengthened to prevent drug and alcohol use along the pilgrimage routes.
The Theni District Collector also announced awareness campaigns for pilgrims in Tamil Nadu and a 24-hour call centre to provide information and address their queries.