Sabarimala: Pilgrims without online registration will also receive darshan, says Kerala CM

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan ensures smooth pilgrimage at Sabarimala with improved facilities and virtual queue system.

The government will take all measures to ensure a smooth pilgrimage for all those pilgrims arriving at Sabarimala, who would not have registered themselves online or who are unaware of the process, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said in the Kerala Assembly on Tuesday (October 15, 2024).

Replying to a submission by V. Joy, Mr. Vijayan said that in the previous years also, the government had made all arrangements to ensure that these pilgrims had the darshan without any hassles.

As part of the steps taken to make Sabarimala Mandala-Makaravilakku pilgrimage a smooth affair and to streamline the facilities required for pilgrims, detailed meetings were held under the chairmanship of the Chief Minister, with the Devaswom Minister, Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), police, and district administration officials.

All steps have been taken to enhance coordination between various departments and agencies, including the TDB, police, forest, health, public works, fire and rescue services, legal metrology, disaster management, food and civil supplies, irrigation, KSEB, KSRTC, BSNL, Kerala Water Authority, and the pollution control board so that improved facilities can be provided for pilgrims at Sannidhanam, Pamba and other key spots, he said.

All arrangements have been made so that ambulance services are available at Nilakkal and Pamba. Decision has been taken to establish 12 emergency medical centres and also to set up more medical centres along the Karimala route, in collaboration with the Forest department, he said.

The service of cardiologists will also be ensured. Priority is being given for the maintenance of roads and facilities along the forest routes and for making smooth arrangements for pilgrims arriving from other States, he added.

Mr. Vijayan said the issue of allowing spot bookings to ensure smooth and secure darshan for all pilgrims was discussed at a review meeting held on October 5. There was consensus at the meeting that all measures be taken to facilitate a safe and hassle-free darshan for all pilgrims.