'Will assure proper darshan to all pilgrims visiting Sabarimala' ; Devaswom min V N Vasavan's interview with Kerala Kaumudi

KOTTAYAM: Devaswom Minister VN Vasavan while talking with Kerala Kaumudi promised to arrange everything needed for proper darshan to all pilgrims visiting Sabarimala. The minister said no devotee will have to return dejected without having darshan at the temple.

V N VASAVAN:

“Maximum facilities will be provided to the pilgrims. More than a dozen meetings were held for that purpose. Due to continuous rain, some work has been delayed but will be completed before the temple opening for this mandala season. The government will strongly resist any attempt to disrupt pilgrimage in the upcoming season.

Initially, there was only virtual queue booking. With media portals including Kerala Kaumudi stressing the need for spot booking, the government decided to include that. There will be spot booking at three places to provide additional admission to 10,000 people coming with an Aadhaar card every day. With the increase in pilgrims, more facilities will also follow. There will be a buffer stock of 40 lakh containers to avoid a shortage of Aravana.

Three tents including a German-styled one will be prepared for as many as 8000 pilgrims to take rest after a toiling walk. A prepaid dolly system will also be introduced this season to avoid overcharging by dolly workers. The services of 13,600 policemen have been made available. The work of seven pilgrim centres at Nilakkal, the base camp, is in the final stage. Parking facilities are available at three locations. In addition to 10,000 vehicles, the parking lot can accommodate 2,500 vehicles.

An additional six and a half acres of land will be used for parking in Erumeli. Despite the rains, the road repair work has been completed. The Devaswom Board has introduced free insurance coverage of Rs five lakh for all pilgrims. In case of death, all arrangements will be made to bring the body home.

Those in the queue will be provided with water and biscuits. There will also be an e-toilet facility. Modern mobile systems will also be used for septic tank waste treatment. 1045 toilets have been installed in Nilakkal, 580 in Pampa and 1005 in Sannidhanam.”

When asked about certain group planning protests about the unwanted restrictions imposed by the government at the temple, the minister indifferently replied: “Let the protest start. We will see.”