Special committee to decide number of spot bookings at Sabarimala; critical decisions taken in review meeting held at Pampa

PATHANAMTHITTA: A special committee has been appointed to decide the number of spot bookings in Sabarimala. The crucial decisions were taken in a review meeting held in Pampa today under the chairmanship of Devaswom Minister VN Vasavan. The members of the special committee are the Police Coordinator, Executive Officer, and Special Commissioner.

The number of spot bookings will be decided considering the daily rush of devotees in Sabarimala. With this, it will be possible to control the uncontrolled crowd at the Sannidhanam. The meeting also decided to complete the renovation work that is still to be done at Sabarimala, fill the vacancies of about 400 daily wage earners at Sannidhanam and Pampa, and make arrangements to smoothly implement the basic needs of the devotees. It is also noteworthy that this meeting is being held after the high court's strong criticism.

The High Court had relaxed the spot booking restrictions the other day. The court has also directed that the Devaswom Board and the police can take a decision based on the rush of pilgrims. There are reports that there is currently no significant rush except for the waiting at the large Nadapanthal. Meanwhile, about half a lakh pilgrims have visited Ayyappa till this afternoon. The Central Army has taken charge at Sabarimala. A team of 140 members has arrived for the service. The service is divided into 13 zones.