Attukal Pongala: Preparations going on in full swing, says CM; holiday declared in Thiruvananthapuram on March 3

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said that the government’s preparations for the Attukal Pongala festival are progressing efficiently. He stated that, as in previous years, the festival will be conducted in a grand and well-organised manner. The Chief Minister was speaking at a review meeting held at the Devi Auditorium of Attukal Bhagavathy Temple to assess the arrangements made by various departments.

He directed officials to ensure full cooperation and utmost vigilance in the coming days of the festival. As a large crowd is expected this year as well, the police have been asked to remain on high alert. Arrangements should be made in a way that minimises inconvenience to local residents. The Chief Minister also instructed that all necessary facilities must be provided so that devotees arriving for Pongala do not face any difficulties.

Ministers V.N. Vasavan and V. Sivankutty, Mayor V.V. Rajesh and District Collector Anu Kumari were among those who attended the meeting.

The District Collector said that a holiday has been announced for the Thiruvananthapuram district on the day of Attukal Pongala. A strict dry day will be observed from 6 pm on March 2 to 6 pm on March 3. Sub Collector O.V. Alfred has been appointed as the nodal officer for the festival. Due to restrictions on temple darshan from 1.30 pm to 7 pm on Pongala day in connection with the lunar eclipse, the temple authorities and police will take steps to avoid inconvenience to devotees.

For the safety of devotees, 5,855 police personnel have been deployed across four zones, most of them women officers. Drone surveillance, 83 new CCTV cameras and five watch towers have been set up to manage the crowd. A QR code-based vehicle parking system has been introduced, and a 24-hour police control room has started functioning. The Excise Department and the police will conduct special inspections to prevent the spread of narcotics.

Bike responder team for Health services
Medical teams under the Health Department will function from February 23 to March 4. Ten ambulances and bike responder teams have been arranged. Additional facilities have also been directed at the Medical College to handle emergencies.

• A paediatrician’s service has been ensured for boys participating in Kuthiyottam
• 12 heat clinics will be opened.
• Special squads and a mobile lab of the Food Safety Department will conduct inspections.
• The KSRTC will operate 700 special buses, along with 250 buses under budget tourism services.
• The Water Authority will install 1,550 temporary drinking water taps and 50 showers.
• The KSEB has opened a 24-hour control room.
• The city corporation has deployed 2,610 workers for sanitation activities, along with 200 tipper lorries for waste removal and 40 tanker lorries for water supply.
• Mobile toilets will also be arranged for women.