With just thirty days left for the Sabarimala pilgrimage season, preparations and decisions are underway. A review meeting led by the Chief Minister assessed the necessary arrangements for the smooth conduct of the pilgrimage. It's reassuring that the government won't impose financial restrictions on construction work at Sabarimala and related areas during the pilgrimage.

Many devotees come from various parts of the country, particularly from Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra and Telangana. Providing necessary facilities along the way at Pampa and Sannidhanam is crucial. Complaints have arisen in the past regarding the behaviour of the police towards out-of-state devotees. Training for the police officers assigned to Sabarimala duty is necessary. Historically, our police force has been known for treating devotees with kindness.

A significant decision from the review meeting is the reform of the queue system to manage overcrowding. The Tirupati Model Queue system will be introduced at Sabarimala and Sannidhanam's 18 queue complex will be digitized. Implementing a virtual queue system for Sabarimala darshan can ease congestion and benefit devotees.

Efficiency and planning can reduce repetitive expenses. Maintaining roads to Sabarimala can prevent yearly costly renovations. Repetitive repair work in Sannidhanam and nearby areas also results in financial losses.

In light of the Supreme Court's ruling that only the Devaswam Board can provide food to pilgrims, careful management is essential. Prioritizing facilities for darshan and rest is crucial. Waiting in queues for ten to sixteen hours must be addressed through a virtual queue system.

The Sabarimala pilgrimage significantly contributes to the state's economy. It stimulates the commercial sector. Immediate attention is needed to repair major roads leading to Sabarimala for safe travel.