Dearth of police falters crowd management in Sabarimala

SABARIMALA: The Devaswom Board on Monday demanded an effective system for crowd control during the Mandala-Makaravilaku Pilgrimage in Sabarimala. Sabarimala executive officer Murari Babu's request for stronger police presence on the 18th and 19th, when more than half a lakh pilgrims arrived for the Thula month Puja, was denied and resulted in shambolic crowd management.

Naïve police officers were deployed at the holy 18 steps near Sannidhanam, which resulted in an uncontrollable rush. Only 35 to 40 pilgrims per minute climbed the steps on these two days. According to a study, at least 80 to 85 people should climb the steps per minute to avoid the rush and stampede-like situvation.

There was also a failure to provide drinking water and snacks to the pilgrims who were stuck in queues for hours. However, the issue was settled due to the crucial intervention by special officer R. Jayakrishnan.

• Thula month Puja attendance - 2.50 lakh pilgrims

• 1,36000 people arrived on 18th and 19th when the traffic was unmanageable.

Sabarimala temple will be opened for Chithira Atta Vishesha festival on October 30th. On that day special Ayappa Padi Pooja will be held.