'Uniform fee in all temples for Karkidaka Vavu Bali'; Minister Vasavan instructs Devaswom Board

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Minister VN Vasavan informed that the Devaswom Board was tasked with fixing a uniform fee for the Karkidaka Vavu Bali. The minister was speaking at a meeting of various departments held at the Thiruvallam Parasurama temple to review the preparations for the Bali Tharpanam.

• The police and the Motor Vehicles Department should intervene to resolve the difficulties in parking private vehicles near the Thiruvallam temple.
• The Devaswom Board should ensure water and basic facilities for those who come for the Bali Tharpanam.
• The complaints of KSRTC employees, including accommodation, will be resolved.
• Action will be taken in conjunction with the Fisheries Department to shift fishing boats to Shanghumukham.
• The Fire and Rescue Department should prepare a security system.
• If necessary, scuba teams, lifeguards and police should be deployed.
• Health Department's mobile team with CPR facilities should be ensured in the area of the temple.
• The municipality and police should intervene to prevent stray dogs from intruding into the ritual site.
• The irrigation department should take steps to prevent rainwater accumulation in the Thiruvallam temple premises.
• Boiled water should be distributed for drinking to devotees in view of the possibility of waterborne diseases.
• The Devaswom Board will ensure necessary arrangements at major sacrificial sites, including Thiruvallam, Shanghumukham, Aruvikkara, Varkala, Thirumullavaram and Aluva.
• Steps should be taken to close liquor shops from morning to afternoon on the day of the ritual.

The minister also said that municipalities and district administrations should take care to implement waste management, road maintenance, parking facilities, deployment of bio-toilets, maintenance of street lights, and deployment of drinking water tankers if necessary.

Devaswom Secretary M.G. Rajamanickam, Travancore Devaswom Board President P.S. Prashanth, Thiruvananthapuram City Police Commissioner Thomson Jose, and senior officials from various departments were present.