The Coimbatore district administration expects around one lakh devotees to visit the Velliyangiri Andavar temple between February 28 and March 2 in view of the Maha Shivaratri festival.
Collector GS Samiran on Monday presided over a meeting with the officers of various departments at the District Collectorate.
A press release said that arrangements for electricity supply and toilets have been made. Ten additional drinking water tanks have been installed on the way to the hill temple at Poondi village near Perur.
Mr. Samiran directed that adequate number of ‘108’ ambulances and fire-fighting vehicles should be available nearby and the local bodies should ensure to clear the garbage and ensure cleanliness. The Forest Department was instructed to set up a medical camp on the top of the hill by forming a team of tribal people to help the devotees.
District Revenue Officer PS Leela Alex, HR&CE Coimbatore Zone Joint Commissioner R Senthilvelvan, District Forest Officer (Coimbatore Forest Division) TK Ashok Kumar, Deputy Director of Health Services P Aruna and Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) – Coimbatore City SR Senthil According to Kumar was present in the meeting.
Mr Samiran said that children, senior citizens and those who have recently recovered from COVID-19 should avoid visiting the hill temple. He said that as per the COVID-19 safety protocol, devotees should ensure to wear masks and avoid crowds.