Minister wants enhanced compensation for Sabarimalai victims

Bangalore, Feb 3 (PTI) Karnataka Minister for Energy ShobhaKarandlaje today appealed to Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa todouble the compensation amount announced for the victims ofstampede at Sabarimalai last month from the existing Rs onelakh.

Shobha, who was deputed from the state to help Ayyappadevotees from the state and arrange for transportation of thedead bodies said in a letter, which she presented toYeddyurappa here, that majority of those dead were breadwinners of the family and needed more assistance.

She has suggested setting up of a help line in the stateand also at Sabarimalai hereafter during the December 15 toJanuary 20. She also suggested setting up of mobile toiletsand posting of a nodal officer to help devotees from thestate.

Shobha wanted the state government to urge the Centre todeclare Sabaraimalai as a national pilgrimage centre and helpproviding basic amenties and protection to devotees visitingit.

A security cover on the lines drafted for Kumbh Melashould be put in place to avert tragedies at the hill shrine.

Thiry devotees from Karnataka died in the stampede onJanuary 14.