Nilakkal to Get EV Charging Stations Ahead of Sabarimala Pilgrimage Season; Cleanliness and Pilgrim Safety Prioritised
Pathanamthitta: Revenue Minister A.P. Anilkumar has directed all departments to work in close coordination to ensure a safe and smooth pilgrimage for Ayyappa devotees during the upcoming Sabarimala Mandala-Makaravilakku season, with special emphasis on cleanliness, safety and quality services.
Speaking at a review meeting convened by the Revenue Department, the minister said potential shortcomings must be identified and addressed in advance to avoid lapses during the pilgrimage. He appreciated the efforts of the district administration in coordinating preparations and highlighted funding constraints affecting local self-government institutions and technical hurdles in road renovation works.
Stressing the need to maintain cleanliness at Pampa, the minister called for awareness campaigns to discourage devotees from discarding clothes in the river. He said a special system should also be established to remove discarded clothes promptly.
With the growing number of electric vehicles, he said the existing charging facility at Pampa was insufficient and directed officials to establish charging stations at Nilakkal as well. At least two charging stations should be made operational during the pilgrimage season to prevent congestion.
The minister also directed the Travancore Devaswom Board to expand multilingual announcements at Sannidhanam, Pampa and other major pilgrim gathering points to help devotees from different states access essential information in their own languages.
He stressed the need for efficient emergency assistance through better coordination among departments, including the police, and directed officials to ensure adequate drinking water and other basic facilities.
Every devotee should return home safely and happily, with satisfaction not only from darshan but also from the services provided by various departments, he said, calling for improved service standards across all departments.
The minister also inaugurated the Sabari Portal, developed by the district administration to provide daily Sabarimala updates and access to various pilgrim services. He directed officials to keep the information regularly updated.
He further called for preparations for the next pilgrimage season to begin immediately after the conclusion of the current season, in line with the Chief Minister's directive.
MLA Pazhakulam Madhu, District Collectors A. Nizamudheen (Pathanamthitta), Dr. Dineshan Cheruvath (Idukki) and Chetan Kumar Meena (Kottayam), senior district officials, local body representatives and officials from various departments attended the meeting.