Eruthuvapuzha road to haunt Sabarimala pilgrims

ERUMELI: Eruthuvapuzha road, constructed as an alternate pathway to the accident-prone Kanamala-Attivalam road, is now in tatters. This road is often chosen by Sabarimala pilgrims to reach the Pamba Valley. The signs of crumbling first came during the floods of 2019, and the situation deteriorated further during every monsoon season.

Despite the dilapidated condition, the authorities seldom care to repair the damage. In all the preparatory meetings for the pilgrimage, there will be demand to repair the road, but it seems the procedures are restricted to papers and not ready to be made a reality. This has reached a nadir that even people have recognized the sham connived by authorities and people’s representatives of the area.

This road was rebuilt for Rs 6 crore 30 lakh. And now, more than 100m of the sides of the asphalt have been washed away. The use of unscientific construction methods is blamed for the current crisis. Despite many complaints, there has been no investigation into the matter.