Forest official asked to file detailed report by Feb 11

Kochi, Jan 24 (PTI) Kerala High Court today directed thehead of the special team of forest department, appointed toprovide assistance to the devotees at Uppupara in Pulmedu, tosubmit a detailed report by February 11 on the recent stampedethat claimed the lives of 102 pilgrims.

A Division Bench comprising Justice Thothathil BRadhakrishnan and Justice P S Gopinath directed the forestofficial to produce documents showing the total number ofvehicles permitted inside the Pulmedu area and precautionarymeasures, if any taken while allowing the devotees inside theforest area after sunset.

The bench pointed out that there was no mention in thereport of the Principal Chief Conservator of forest about thepresence and management of ''Chain Point'' while DGP JacobPunnose''s report says parking area was situated beyond the''Chain Point''.

The forest official, filing the affidavit, has beendirected to categorically state regarding the chain point andmanaging of chain and whether any particular official data ismaintained in relation to the said activity.

The bench also indicated that it would be appropriate forthe official to look into the report of the TravancoreDevaswom Board (TDB) filed earlier.

The court also directed the Special Commissioner ofSabarimala to file a further elaborate report by January 28regarding different aspects stated in the reports of TDB, DGPand Forest department.