Sabarimala pilgrimage returning to normalcy after Covid restrictions are being removed

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The restrictions in Sabarimala after the spread of Covid will be removed. The decision was taken by a review meeting attended by the Chief Minister.

The number of devotees will not be limited who come after booking through Virtual Queue. The rule to produce a Covid certificate and the wearing of masks is removed. The decision can be reexamined if need be.

All the rooms at the Sabarimala temple, where devotees stay will be opened. Tents and sheds will be arranged for those who sleep on mats on the ground.

The Devaswom Board’s auction has begun. All the arrangements will be over by 10 November. There will be spot bookings at 12 centers. There will be temporary toilets and sheds at the main centers on the route of the pilgrimage including forest paths. There will be warning sign boards in disaster-prone areas as there is the possibility of heavy rainfall.

Trees that might be at risk of falling will be cleared before the 29th. There will be a special control room for the forest department at Pampa and at Sanidhanam. Cameras will be installed to monitor the movements of wild animals. Kiosks will be erected to provide pure drinking water. There will be 200 new taps along the pilgrim route. There will be a temporary lab to check the purity of the water.

500 buses will be pressed into Sabarimala special duty service. 200 buses are for chain service, and 277 buses are for long-distance service. On the day of Makaravillaku, 1000 buses will be put into service. The fire force will be in service for 24 hours. The service of scuba divers will also be provided.

There will be a combined inspection of the Excise, police, and forest departments.