External agency should take care of 'prasadam'

Pathanamthitta, Dec 7: Sabarimala Special Commissioner M N Rajendran Nair said in his report submitted to the High Court that the production of 'aravana prasadam' be handed over to an external agency during the 'Makaravilakku' pilgrimage season.

Briefing reporters yesterday about the report here, he said the present arrangement of production and distribution of 'arvana prasadam' would lead to mismanagement when the rush for the pilgrims will increase.

Non-availability of 'aravana' would have serious consequences, he said.

The eco-friendly special containers reached the Sannidhanam from Rajapalayam and Chennai, he said adding that the production rate of container a day there totalled only 30,000, as against the daily requirement of one lakh.

Mr Nair said the production of 'aravana' could have been started well in advance of the annual 'Mandalam-Makaravilakku' pilgrimage season.

Taking into consideration the ground realities, Mr Nair said that he had recommended to completely de-link production and distribution of 'Aravana' from the jurisdiction of Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB).

UNI