TDB should disburse Rs 10 lakh solatium: Achuthanandan

Pathanamthitta, Dec 31 (UNI) Kerala Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan today said the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) should disburse a solatium of Rs ten lakh to the next of kin of the pilgrim, who die at Sabarimala due to cardiac arrest or any other ailment.

Talking to reporters at Sannidhanam, he said the government had taken effective steps to provide drinking water supply, distribution of ''Aravana'', security and health care at the holy shrine.

The appointment of K Jayakumar as special officer at Sabarimala had helped to accelerate various measures for the benefit of pilgrims, he said, adding that the alleged irregularities in the arrangements during the initial stages of the ''Mandalam'' pilgrimage season had been rectified.

He said the pilgrims should keep the ''Garden of Lord Ayyappa'' clean and hygienic.

Mr Achuthanandan asserted that the Pampa Action Plan and Sabarimala Master Plan would be implemented in a time-bound manner.

The LDF government had arrested the escalation of suicides committed by debt ridden farmers, he added.

Describing the Smart City deal as a shining achievement of his Government, the Chief Minister said the ''Waterway'' from Kovalam to Neeleswaram would be realised within two years.

Earlier, Mr Achuthanandan inaugurated the Rs 50 Lakh operation theatre and the in-patient ward with 23 beds at Sannidhanam. Health Minister P K Sreemathy Teacher presieded over the function while Devaswam Minister G Sudhakaran delivered the keynote address held at Sannidhanam Devaswam Auditorium.

UNI