Security in Sabarimala to be tightened under CIB: Committee

Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 21(UNI) The Sabarimala High-Power Committee today said the security system in the hill-shrine would be strengthened under the Central Intelligence Bureau (CIB) during the coming Mandalam-Makaravilakku festival season, starting from November 16.

After the committee meeting, its Chairman and Additional Chief Secretary K Jayakumar said the security system would be strengthened at Sabarimala and a company of Disaster Management would be deployed.

Besides this, a control room, coordinating all departments at the Sannidhanam for the security and health of the pilgrims, as well as the smooth conduct of the festival would be opened, he said and added that an independent committee would be deputed to check the quality of ''aravana' and ''appam'', the main prasadam of the Ayyappa temple.

This was the first meeting of the Committee appointed by the Kerala High Court to oversee the Sabarimala temple festival.

The eleven-member committee headed by Mr Jayakumar, included Travancore Devasom Board (TDB) President.

The two-month event last year was mired in controversy due to poor management and it was against this backdrop, the Committee was formed by the Kerala High Court.

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