Kerala steps up Sabarimala preparations, expects higher pilgrim turnout

Kerala authorities have stepped up preparations for the upcoming Sabarimala pilgrimage, expecting higher pilgrim numbers this season. Measures include improved prasadam supply, healthcare, roads, sanitation, drinking water, accommodation and AI-powered crowd management to ensure a safe and smooth pilgrimage

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Health and Devaswom Minister K Muraleedharan on Friday directed the TDB to complete preparations for the upcoming Sabarimala pilgrimage on time, saying inter-departmental coordination would be strengthened to ensure a smooth darshan for devotees. Speaking at a review meeting at the government guest house here, Muraleedharan said the number of pilgrims was expected to increase this year compared to the previous season.

Chief Minister V D Satheesan will visit Pampa and hold a special review meeting after Onam, the minister said. The minister directed the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) to ensure adequate stocks of appam and aravana prasadam (sweet offerings), noting that there had been a delay in tender procedures for procuring materials for prasadam preparation.

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Two machines will be installed for aravana production to ensure uninterrupted supply, TDB president K Jayakumar said. The Food Safety Department will conduct strict inspections to ensure quality food for pilgrims, while the Health Department will strengthen hospital and ambulance facilities.

Repairing of roads, including those damaged during the monsoon, will be completed on time. Cleaning operations from Pampa to Sannidhanam (temple complex) will also be intensified, according to an official statement. A three-bin waste segregation system will be strictly implemented in the area with the support of the Suchitwa Mission ahead of the season.

The Water Resources Department will ensure safe drinking water and an accredited laboratory will be arranged to test water quality. The meeting also directed that police personnel deployed for pilgrimage duty be given necessary behavioural training.

A special scuba team of the Fire and Rescue Department will also be deployed as part of the safety arrangements, the statement said. Facilities including shelters, rest areas, annadanam, toilets and parking will be arranged at pilgrim transit centres directly managed by the Devaswom Board.

The authorities have decided to identify rooms under various government departments and make at least 500 rooms available to pilgrims. Room allotment will be made fully online.

A new crowd management system will also be introduced. A major control room is being set up on a pilot basis in coordination with the police, using AI technology and cameras to monitor and manage crowds, it said.

The objective is to minimise long queues and ensure a safe and hassle-free pilgrimage, Muraleedharan added. MLAs, TDB officials and heads of various departments attended the meeting, the statement added.