Number of devotees to Sabarimala increased: CM directs to arrange coordinated facilities to control crowd

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan directed to make more coordinated arrangements in view of the increase in the number of devotees to Sabarimala. Arrangements should be made in such a way that pilgrims are not harmed. The chief minister assessed the present situation of Sabarimala in a special review meeting convened at Thekkady during Nava Kerala Sadas. Devaswom Minister K Radhakrishnan, Forest Minister A K Saseendran, chief secretary Dr V Venu and devaswom board president P S Prashanth, state police chief Sheikh Darvesh Sahib, collectors and others participated online.

The average number of pilgrims arriving in the first 19 days of the mandala season was 62,000. In the four days since December 6, it has increased to 88,000. This led to a huge rush. The time of darshan time has been extended by one hour to facilitate this. Apart from this, the chief minister directed to limit the spot booking only to the essential ones.
Talks were held to facilitate smooth darshan at various stages. It will ensure the effective implementation of the decisions of the meetings held with the participation of the chief minister. The chief minister said special attention should be given to the system for darshan of women and children.

The parking system should be pre-arranged. The devaswom board should make arrangements for that. Should be careful with the traffic control. Instead of changing the duties of the policemen all at once, it is necessary to keep a few of them. More police force has been deployed in Sabarimala this time than last season. Volunteers should be sourced from appropriate agencies.

Nothing unusual has happened in Sabarimala. What is needed is the intervention to inform the people about the arrangements made and the facilities provided and to understand and correct the attempts to spread misunderstanding. There should be an intervention to inform the people about the truth by understanding the spread of false news in and outside the state. Devaswom Board President and others should be present and lead such activities. Cleanliness should be ensured on the paths where pilgrims come. The chief minister condoled the death of the child during pilgrimage.