Kerala HC Directs TDB to Rectify Fire Safety Deficiencies at Sabarimala
The Kerala High Court has directed the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) to rectify fire safety deficiencies at Sabarimala Sannidhanam ahead of the Mandala-Makaravilakku season.
A Division Bench of Justices Raja Vijayaraghavan and K.V. Jayakumar observed that fire safety was a matter of human life and not routine maintenance.
The court directed the Board to install fire safety systems in accordance with the National Building Code, including functional hydrants, automatic sprinklers, fire alarms, smoke management facilities and properly maintained fire extinguishers.
The Fire and Rescue Services Department informed the court that several buildings at Sannidhanam lacked mandatory safety facilities and that many fire extinguishers were non-functional.
The department also reported that temporary fire stations would be set up at eight locations, with 1,800 personnel deployed in six phases. Each phase would include 18 scuba divers, while 32 fire and rescue vehicles would be available. For Makaravilakku, around 150 personnel and 30 vehicles would be deployed at 11 locations.
The court also directed the Local Self-Governments Department to deploy four additional squads to monitor preparation works in Erumely. The TDB was asked to appoint additional staff to prevent the unauthorised sale of synthetic kumkum.
Meanwhile, the Food Safety Department informed the court that raw materials for Aravana and Appam would be allowed into Sannidhanam only after quality checks at the Pampa laboratory. The laboratory facilities will be strengthened, and violations will invite strict action under the Food Safety Act.