Thiruvananthapuram: In a significant move to enhance the pilgrim experience during the upcoming Mandala-Makaravilakku pilgrimage season, which runs from November to January, the Travancore Devaswom Board convened a coordination meeting with various departments at its headquarters on Wednesday. The primary objective of the meeting was to strategize the implementation of the 'Sabarimala Vision Plan' and gather inputs from different departments on the proposed projects under it.
Vision Plan Approved by High Court
The vision plan, previously submitted by the board, has received approval from the high court, paving the way for its phased execution during the upcoming pilgrimage season. This plan aims to transform Sabarimala into a more pilgrim-friendly destination through a series of comprehensive initiatives.
Key Decisions and Initiatives
A major decision taken at the meeting was the implementation of the 'Green Sabarimala' project in coordination with the forest department. This initiative focuses on planting suitable tree species on Devaswom Board land in Sabarimala and Pamba to promote an eco-friendly environment. The project is expected to span two years, beginning before the onset of the monsoon. It will be carried out in unused areas, ensuring it does not interfere with crowd management or other operational activities.
For crowd management, the meeting resolved to replace the existing system of barricades and rope-based restrictions with more pilgrim-friendly solutions. The Devaswom Board will procure and provide the new system for use by the police, aiming to improve the overall flow and safety of pilgrims.
The vision plan also includes the formulation of new communication and sanitation protocols to enhance coordination and hygiene during the pilgrimage season. These measures are designed to address the challenges posed by the massive influx of devotees.
Meeting Attendees and Discussions
The meeting was chaired by Travancore Devaswom Board president K Jayakumar and attended by board members K Raju and P D Santhosh Kumar, along with Sabarimala police chief coordinator S Sreejith. Officials from multiple departments participated, including police, fire and rescue services, food safety, Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB), water authority, pollution control board, Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC), Suchitwa Mission, and the electrical inspectorate. Discussions focused on the changes and measures required from each department to effectively implement the plan, ensuring a seamless and efficient pilgrimage experience.
