TDB Calls Emergency Meeting in Erumeli Ahead of Sabarimala Pilgrimage Season
ERUMELI: The Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) has called an emergency review meeting in Erumeli in response to media reports highlighting inadequate preparations for the upcoming Sabarimala pilgrimage season. The reports drew attention to the lack of basic facilities and delays in preparatory works at Erumeli, a key transit point for Ayyappa devotees.
According to the media report, the meeting, convened by TDB President K. Jayakumar, is scheduled for Monday at 11 a.m. It was called in response to ongoing concerns over the lack of adequate pilgrimage arrangements in the area. Government officials, representatives of Hindu organisations and members of the trading community are expected to participate.
The reports highlighted several concerns, including inadequate infrastructure and sanitation facilities, delays in tender procedures and pending maintenance works. They also raised concerns over a stream used by devotees for ritual bathing, which was reportedly littered with waste and had not been properly cleaned.
Another major issue is the failure to open the Sabarimala transit building complex, reportedly constructed six years ago. The delay has raised concerns over the non-utilisation of infrastructure intended to provide facilities for pilgrims during the annual pilgrimage season.
Demands have also been raised for urgent measures to improve pilgrim facilities, including free restroom facilities, proper parking arrangements and access through the traditional forest route, along with improvements to other basic amenities.
With the Mandala-Makaravilakku pilgrimage season approaching, the meeting is expected to focus on addressing the reported shortcomings and ensuring that essential facilities are made available to devotees. Timely action on sanitation, infrastructure, parking and access will be crucial to facilitating the smooth movement of pilgrims through Erumeli.