'Won't allow pilgrims to suffocate and die', lack of coordination is issue in Sabarimala, says High Court

KOCHI: The Kerala High Court has lashed out at the Travancore Devaswom Board for not making proper arrangements for the Mandalam Makaravilakku pilgrimage in Sabarimala. The court directed that scientific methods must be used to control the heavy rush. The bench comprising Justice A Raja Vijayaraghavan and Justice KV Jayakumar also asked why preparations for the pilgrimage had not begun at least six months in advance.

Apart from crowd management, the court also noted serious shortcomings in the availability of toilet facilities in Sabarimala. “The area from Nilakkal to the Sannidhanam, including the sacred 18 steps, should be divided into five or six zones. The authorities must decide how many people can be accommodated in each zone at a time. A team of experts should be formed for this. This cannot be run like a normal festival. Preparations must start months in advance," the court said.

“The police can only control people. There must be a proper system to make scientific decisions. Even children are struggling there. There should be a solution for this. If the area cannot accommodate more people, why allow such huge crowds? Such heavy rush can lead to accidents. We cannot allow devotees to suffocate and die. They are devotees, and naturally, they will come. It is the responsibility of the authorities to ensure proper arrangements. There has been no proper coordination for organising such a large festival season," the court observed.

Meanwhile, Devaswom Board president K Jayakumar responded to the High Court’s criticism. He said the Board respects the court’s concerns. He admitted that there had been a lack of coordination among Devaswom Board staff and added that the issues would be resolved.