Sea of humanity at Sabarimala shrine

Pathanamthitta, Jan 13 (UNI) Pampa, Sannidhanam and all traditional trekking paths to the hill-shrine of Lord Ayyappa at Sabarimala are overflowing with heavy influx of pilgrims on the eve of Makaravilakku day today.

Elaborate arrangements have been made by various government departments and Travancore Devaswom Board for the smooth conduct of the festival.

Duty Magistrates and Executive Magistrates posted at Pampa and Sannidhanam have been alerted. Sufficient number of police personnel have been deployed to manage the crowd.

To meet any eventuality, 12 ambulances have been arranged in Pathanamthitta Collectorate Compound and seven at the general hospital. One ambulance each have been positioned at Pampa hill-top, Pampa Manalpuram, Chalakkayam, Pampa KSRTC area, Chackupalam, Attathode and Nilackal.

In addition, mobile medical units were provided at Pampa, Nilackal and Plappally. Round-the-clock control rooms have started functioning at Pathanamthitta Collectorate. Additional District Magistrate would coordinate the control rooms.

All nearby hospitals were being equipped with required number of doctors and para-medical staff. The KSRTC would run 300 chain services and 600 long-distance services after 'Makarajyothi.' Special arrangements have been made for one lakh pilgrims at Pandithavalam to witness 'Makarajyothi'.

Special water tanks have been installed to provide drinking water.

Public announcements would be made in Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, English and Hindi, apart from Malayalam for pilgrims from other states.

As part of the festival, 'Pampa Sadya' and 'Pampa Vilakku' were held with religious fervour and traditional gaiety.

UNI XR CGV KD DB2022