Makarajyothi: arrangements in place at main three pilgrim centres in Idukki

Sabarimala pilgrims throng Pullumedu, Panchalimedu, and Parunthumpara centres to witness the Makarajyothi

The Idukki district administration has completed Makaravilakku festival arrangements at Pullumedu, Panchalimedu, and Parunthumpara centres in Idukki, where the Sabarimala pilgrims throng to witness the Makarajyothi.

Talking to the media after the review of arrangements at Vallakkadavu on Monday, District Collector V. Vignehwari said that no pilgrims will be allowed to travel to Sannidhanam from Pullumedu after the Makarajyothi darshan.

Idukki district police chief T.K. Vishnu Pradeep said that a total of 1,200 police personnel will be deployed for the security arrangements for the Makaravilakku festival. In addition, 150 special offices will be deputed for the festival arrangements. “We will deploy police personnel at every junction on the Kumily-Kozhikkanam route to prevent accidents and traffic blockages,” he said. The facilities were arranged based on the Hariharan Nair Commission, which investigated the 2011 stampede at Pullumedu that claimed the lives of 102 people who had gathered to witness the Makarajyothi.

Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) will operate a chain service on the Kumily-Kozhikkanam route from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m on Tuesday morning.

The 9-km long Nalam Mile-Pullumedu forest path will open for Sabarimala pilgrims on Tuesday morning, said S. Sandeep, the West Deputy Director of Periyar Tiger Reserve (PTR). “Once the Makaravilakku festival gets over, the Forest department will close the forest path. The Forest department will deploy officials at every 1-km point along the forest path and arrange food and water facilities for pilgrims.” Mr. Sandeep said. Additionally, the official said that the steps have been initiated for the deployment of ambulances, fire and rescue services personnel along the forest path.

According to officials, BSNL has already set up a temporary mobile tower at Pullumedu to ensure mobile connectivity in the hills.

The police as well as Forest departments are conducting joint searches to prevent pilgrims from entering deep forests to witness Makarajyothi. Visitors will be restricted to Gavi ecotourism destinations till the conclusion of the Makaravilakku festival.