High Court orders virtual spot booking mandatory for entry

KOCHI: In response to escalating crowd concerns at Sabarimala, the High Court has decreed strict regulations for pilgrim entry. Admission to Sannidhanam is now permitted only via virtual queue booking or spot reservations, as directed by the Division Bench comprising Justice Anil K Narendran and Justice G Girish.

To maintain cleanliness, a 24-hour cleaning schedule has been mandated for the Q complexes. The Devaswom Board is tasked with employing 72 personnel in two shifts based on recommendations from the Sabarimala Special Commissioner.

Provisions must be made for devotees arriving from other states with an emphasis on providing essential facilities. Sugar water and biscuits will be available at queue complexes, forest pathways and pilgrim sheds.

Special queues are to be designated for the convenience of women, children, and elderly pilgrims. Moreover, additional security personnel will be deployed by the Devaswom Board at 17 parking grounds in Nilakkal ensuring proper management of vehicle parking.

Efforts are underway to activate FASTag scanners for parking fees within a week. The movement of vehicles will be regulated through a hold and release system at stoppages including space stations to streamline traffic flow.

Furthermore, the provision of food and necessary amenities at campsites is to be ensured for the convenience of pilgrims.

For effective vehicle management in the Nilakkal-Laha area, joint patrolling will be conducted by the police and Motor Vehicles Department enforcement officers in collaboration with the Devaswom Board.

To address the needs of devotees in vehicles, the Nilakkal Administrative Officer and Sabarimala Executive Officer will provide drinking water and biscuits.

Strategies are being devised to implement the hold and release system between Laha and Vadasserikkara as well as from Kanamala to Erumeli for controlled vehicle movement.

Utilizing NSS volunteers from nearby educational institutions to provide essential facilities including drinking water and seeking the support of local government bodies for facility preparation are among the planned measures.