Sabarimala: Strict action to stop room mafias; Makaravilakku preparations complete

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Devaswom Board President K Jayakumar announced that extensive arrangements have been completed for pilgrims visiting Sabarimala for Makaravilakku.

Strict action will be taken this time to stop the "rooms mafias" operating during Makaravilakku. As part of this, an online room booking system will be started. Rooms can only be booked by providing valid identification documents. K Jayakumar clarified that passes with photo will be issued for visiting the Thirumuttam to prevent the transfer of darshan passes.

The Devaswom Board President said that the board has also decided to speed up the development work as per the Sabarimala Master Plan. Pampa will be made more beautiful as the entrance gate to Sabarimala. The Devaswom Board is trying to directly take over the development work focused on Nilakkal and Pampa. The aim is to complete the first phase of the work within two years.

K Jayakumar clarified that some development work is necessary to resolve the space constraints in the Thirumuttam and that the matter of changing the rooms of the Thantri and Melshanthi is under consideration. Steps will be taken to obtain funds from the government for development activities and to obtain money from sponsors in a transparent manner. K Jayakumar added that the Pampa development has been included in the master plan and that increasing the infrastructure facilities in Sabarimala is a priority. The Devaswom Board President also clarified that security arrangements for the Makaravilakku pilgrimage will be strengthened in the coming days.