Kerala Chief Minister Oversees Comprehensive Preparations for Attukal Pongala Festival
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has confirmed that preparations for the upcoming Attukal Pongala festival are advancing efficiently and in a well-coordinated manner. The announcement was made during a detailed review meeting held at the Devi auditorium of the Attukal Bhagavathy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram on Sunday.
Coordinated Efforts and Enhanced Vigilance
Based on earlier discussions, various government departments are implementing synchronized interventions to ensure the festival proceeds smoothly and on a grand scale, as in previous years. With a massive turnout of devotees anticipated, the Chief Minister has directed officials to exercise utmost vigilance to minimize inconvenience for local residents.
Adequate facilities must be provided to prevent any difficulties for devotees, Vijayan emphasized, underscoring the importance of a seamless experience for all participants.
Health and Safety Measures
The Health Department will deploy medical teams from Monday through March 4, supported by 10 ambulances and bike responders. Government and private hospitals have each reserved 10 beds for emergencies, while 12 heat clinics will operate in and around the temple and across the city.
Special squads and a mobile laboratory under the Food Safety Department will conduct inspections starting Monday to ensure food quality and safety.
Security and Surveillance
For security, 5,855 police personnel, predominantly women officers, have been deployed across four zones. Surveillance measures include:
- Drone monitoring for aerial oversight
- 83 newly installed CCTV cameras for continuous observation
- Five watch towers for enhanced visibility
A 24-hour police control room has been established, and QR code-based parking arrangements have been introduced to streamline vehicle management.
Transportation and Logistics
KSRTC will operate 700 special services and 250 budget tourism buses, along with chain services utilizing small electric buses. The Railways will run special trains and permit additional stops to accommodate the influx of devotees.
Thiruvananthapuram Corporation has deployed 2,610 sanitation workers and arranged 200 tipper trucks for waste removal after the pongala. A strict green protocol will be enforced, promoting plastic-free 'Haritha Pongala Kits' to encourage environmental sustainability.
Additional Precautions and Leadership
The Fire and Rescue Department has readied 51 vehicles to address any emergencies. On the day of the pongala, restrictions on temple darshan will be in effect from 1:30 PM to 7:00 PM due to a lunar eclipse.
Sub-Collector O V Alfred has been appointed as the nodal officer for the festival, ensuring centralized coordination and efficient management of all arrangements.
