Security tightened for Makaravilaku festival

Pathanamthitta, Jan 9 (UNI) Security has been tightened at Sabarimala ''Sannidhanam'' and Pampa in connection with the ''Makaravilakku'' festival which draws a huge number of pilgrims.

Police and Fire Force have made elaborate arrangements to meet any emergency situation. The stress is on provision of all emergency help to lakhs of pilgrims and rescue operations.

At ''Sannidhanam'', near fly-over, strong barricades have been erected as part of the crowd control measures. Steps have been taken to construct barricades on hill-tops where a heavy crowd of pilgrims is expected to witness the ''Makarajyothi''.

Police personnel from Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh were deployed at ''Sannidhanam'' to facilitate effective interaction with pilgrims from those states.

Seperate teams comprising 50 constables headed by 10 officers had reached Sabarimala for special duty.

Their presence would help nab criminals from the southern states.

Seperate teams comprising 50 constables headed by ten officers had reached Sabarimala for special duty.

At Sannidhanam, 14 DYSPs, 36 Circle Inspectors, 124 Sub Inspectors and 1,390 constables were on duty, while in Pampa 11 DYSPs, 39 Circle Inspectors, 94 Sub Inspectors 12 Women constables and 1035 constables were posted.

Bomb Squad and dog Squads would operate round-the-clock. Around 200 Fire-Force personnel are deployed at ''Sannidhanam'', Pampa, Nilackal and Plappally.

UNI