The Akhila Bharatha Ayyappa Seva Sanghom (ABASS) has called upon the government and the Travancore Devaswom Board to make necessary arrangements for the pilgrims to reach Sabarimala via the Uppupara-Sathram route, until the proposed Bailey Bridges across the Pampa were completed.
In a statement here on Thursday, ABASS national vice-president D. Vijayakumar said that the Chalakkayam-Pampa route to Sabarimala came into existence only five decades ago. Prior to that, the Ayyappa devotees used to reach Sabarimala via the traditional path of Erumeli-Azhutha-Pampa and the Uppupara-Vandipperiyar Sathram route, he said.
Mr. Vijayakumar said the Forest Department should make necessary arrangements for the pilgrims to undertake their pilgrimage to the temple through these routes from the next monthly puja period.
Result of building spree
He said the TDB too was bound to ensure facility for the pilgrims to reach Sabarimala, instead of preventing them from undertaking the pilgrimage.
Mr. Vijayakumar said the unscientific construction spree in the forests was what resulted in the natural disaster.
The Pampa had retained its natural course after the floods, washing out the unscientific constructions, he said. Mr. Vijayakumar said the TDB and the government should not alter the post-deluge river course of the Pampa in the name of improving the facilities for pilgrims. Initiating steps to allow pilgrims to undertake their pilgrimage in an eco-friendly manner was the need of the hour, he said.
The ABASS leader said all commercial establishments on the Pampa Manalpuram and Sabarimala should be stopped. The TDB, in association with devotees’ organisations, should make arrangements to provide free food and healthy beverages to all visiting the pilgrimage centre, he said.