Rs 75 crore collected at Sabarimala

Pathanamthitta, Kerala, Jan 14 (UNI) The total revenue collection at Sabarimala stood at Rs 75 crore, an increase of Rs 20 crore, Travancore Devaswam Board president G Raman Nair today said.

The number of pilgrims visiting the shrine also rose by 25 per cent, he told newspersons here.

Mr Nair said that information on various ''Poojas'' and arrangements made for accommodation at the Sannidhanam would be computerised soon. Documents relating to computerisation had already been sumbmitted before the Kerala High Court, he added.

He also said the unpredicted arrival of a large number of pilgrims through Uppupara Grass land route resulted in uncontrollable crowd movement below the 18 sacred steps yesterday, leading to the death of pilgrims.

Board Member Punalur Madhu, M B Sreekumar and Devaswam Commissioner C G Sachithanandan were also present at the press conference.

UNI