LI Network
Published on: December 13, 2023 at 11:25 IST
The Kerala High Court has issued comprehensive guidelines for the crowd management of pilgrims at the Sabarimala Temple during the Mandala-Makaravilakku festival season.
The Division Bench, consisting of Justice Anil K. Narendran and Justice G. Girish, outlined specific directives to ensure the smooth flow and safety of the pilgrims during this auspicious period.
Key directives include the Chief Police Coordinator at Sannidhanam being tasked with regulating the movement of pilgrims through Pathinettampadi without compromising their safety, ensuring maximum darshan opportunities. Special queues have been designated for the movement of women, children of tender age, and persons with disabilities to prioritize their safety.
The Travancore Devaswom Board is entrusted with maintaining the cleanliness of queue complexes and pilgrim sheds, deploying 72 employees working round the clock in shifts. An Executive Magistrate will conduct daily inspections to ensure cleanliness standards are met.
To aid pilgrims, the Board is directed to deploy sufficient volunteers offering ‘chukku vellam’ and biscuits in queue complexes, pilgrim sheds, and along the trekking path. Additionally, adequate security personnel and employees must be deployed in parking grounds to ensure proper vehicle parking.
In addressing potential challenges, the Court directed the implementation of the second track of FASTag for parking fee collection at Nilakkal and ensured the control of vehicle movement to Nilakkal through a hold and release mechanism. Police are mandated to provide Annadhanam, drinking water, and biscuits to pilgrims stranded between Laha and Nilakkal.
The order stems from a suo moto petition prompted by a report from the Special Commissioner, Sabarimala, regarding crowd management during the Mandala-Makaravilakku festival. Last week, the Court issued a set of directives, including an inspection of parking grounds by the Regional Transport Officer, Pathanamthitta, and steps to avoid overcrowding in queue complexes and pilgrim sheds.
Furthermore, the Court emphasized the provision of water and biscuits to pilgrims, the deployment of volunteers for assistance, and the availability of KSRTC buses at boarding points.
Case title: Suo Moto v State of Kerala (SSCR Nos.29, 36, 41, and 42 of 2023).