Jan 07, 2023 06:41 pm | Updated Jan 08, 2023 07:40 AM IST – Pathanamthitta
Devotees continue to flock to the Sabarimala temple, despite the authorities setting a daily limit on visitors. , Photo Credit: Lejukmal
With just a week left for the Makaravilakku festival at Sabarimala, the entire pilgrimage region is witnessing an unprecedented rush of devotees.
According to officials, so far over 2.5 lakh pilgrims have taken the traditional trekking routes of Erumeli and Vandiperiyar. According to official estimates, 2.11 lakh pilgrims came from Erumeli till 2 pm on Saturday, while the number of those trekking through the Satharam-Pullumedu route (Vandiperiyar) was around 43,500.
“The footfall is all set to break the all-time record of 3.5 lakh set a few years back. In view of the continuous rush, we are trying to enhance the infrastructure facilities for the pilgrims,” said BR Jayan, Forest Range Officer, Erumeli.
According to Jyotish Ozhakkal, Range Officer, Azhutha, most of the devotees using the Pullumedu route come from Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.
In view of the heavy rush, the Kerala Water Authority has opened 50 new temporary shelters for the pilgrims coming from Karimala route. The pipelines under the Pampa section have been further extended by 2 km from Cheriyanavattom to connect Valianvattom.
Two overhead water tanks with a storage capacity of 5,000 liters have been installed on the top of the hill to distribute water through kiosks. Anticipating heavy rush in the coming week, it has increased the total capacity of water distribution by another 50,000 liters from the existing capacity of 35,000 litres.
Eight tanks have been installed near the RO plant at Nilakkal Base Camp.
medical facilities
Meanwhile, the health department will set up mobile medical units and ambulances at Laha and Valiyanavattom on January 13 and 14 respectively. Special medical units and ambulances will be set up at 13 darshan kendras in Pampa and Nilakkal on Makaravilak day.
In case of emergency, Health Inspector Bungalow, Sahas Hospital and All India Ayyappa Seva Sangh First Aid Center etc. will be used. The plan is to take care of as many patients as possible and bring them down after balancing their health condition in case of any contingency, said nodal officer E Prasob.