'Will increase spot booking if rush continues'; Minister Vasavan tells Kerala Kaumudi

KOTTAYAM: Devaswom Minister VN Vasavan told Kerala Kaumudi that spot bookings will be increased if necessary as Sabarimala continues to witness a rush. Earlier, it was said that 90,000 pilgrims would be allowed to pass through the 18 holy steps daily via virtual and spot booking.

Minister Vasavan:

“With effective work from experienced police officials, it won’t be a trouble if the number reaches one lakh daily.

A flawless system was prepared for the pilgrimage by calling a meeting of officials under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. I'm assesing the happenings in Sabarimala every morning and night.

More than three and a half lakh pilgrims are given free food three times a day through the Annadana Mandapams at Nilakkal, Pamba and Sannidhanam. This has stopped the exploitation of private hotels in the area. On the way to Sannidhanam, pilgrims in queue are constantly provided with hot water and biscuits.

There is no shortage of Aravana as 40 lakh containers have been stocked. For 8000 pilgrims to rest, the touted German pandal and other three Nadapanthals have been completed in the Pamba. Seven Pilgrim Centers have been completed in Nilakkal. Parking facilities for 12500 vehicles have been provided. Small cars are allowed to reach Pamba. Another six and a half acres of land in Erumeli is used for parking.”