The water level has gradually started receding since the morning of November 20, but officials expect to wait for the water to stabilize before lifting the ban on trekking.
In view of the incessant rains in Pathanamthitta and rising water level in the Pampa river, the authorities have imposed a temporary ban on pilgrimage to Sabarimala for a day on November 20.
District Collector Divya S. Iyer said the pilgrims booking through the virtual queue system would be given an opportunity to have darshan at the nearest possible slot when the weather conditions improve.
The region was hit by heavy rains on the evening of 19 November, which continued till the morning of 20 November. Thereafter, the Pampa river breaches the banks at several places and submerges at the Sabarimala base camp at Pampa-Triveni. Authorities have issued a red alert at both the Kakki-Anathode reservoir (gates open) and the Pamba dam on the upstream.
The water level has slowly started to recede since the morning of November 20, but officials expect to wait for the water flow to stabilize before lifting the ban on trekking.
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