Developmental works to be implemented

Pathanamthitta, Nov 7(UNI) Kerala Devaswam Minister G Sudhakaran today said various developmental works taken up at an estimated cost of Rs 22 crore would be implemented during the Mandalam-Makaravilakku pilgrimage season at Sabarimala.

He said works to the tune of Rs 10 crore had already been completed. Seven lakh tins of ''Aravana'' prasadam had been stocked.

This would be increased to 20 lakh tins by November 15 when the Lord Ayyappa temple is opened for ''mandala pooja'' festival, he told newspersons here after a review meeting.

Mr Sudhakaran said production and distribution of ''Prasadam'' including 'Appam' and 'Aravana' would be streamlined to make the process fool-proof. A high-tech machine has been installed to count money offerings in a flawless manner at ''Sannidhanam'.

Four hundred fans had been fitted along the queue complex from Marakkottam to Sannidhanam. At Nilackal, three 3-storeyed buldings had been constructed for police quarters. A water tank has also been set up at the main base camp spending Rs 20 lakh.

Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) would operate new bus services to Palani, Thenkasi and Coiambatore. Chain services between Nilackal and Pampa would start plying from November 16.

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