Hearths on road sides: Court order remains on paper

Thiruvananthapuram: In 2012, the high court had asked police and district administration to conduct Attukal Pongala without causing disruption of traffic. But the order remains on paper, and this year also hearths will be set on both sides on all major roads in the city blocking traffic. Authorities cite practical difficulties to implement the order.
It was in Dejo Kappen vs State of Kerala case that court specifically asked city police to ensure that pongala hearths are laid only on one side of the road. City police commissioner S Surendran said that the police were taking the HC order in its true sense. “We have taken measures to allow pongala hearth on only one side in narrow roads and bylanes. Since devotees are lining up on either side only on wider roads, it normally won’t affect traffic. If we allow pongala only on one side in main roads, it will spill over to more areas,” he said.

However, traffic is normally paralyzed on major roads on Pongala day. Since it is a local holiday, only those who have some emergency work are affected.

The commissioner said that the recent review meeting of police decided to exit points from the temple to avoid any untoward incidents. “Parking will be avoided in major roads. With the help of residents’ associations, Janamaitree police will identify parking areas. Corporation too will support in arranging more parking areas,” commissioner said.

Attukal - Padasseri - Bund Road - Killippalam and Attukal - Chiramukku - Airanimuttom - Kaladi - Maruthoorkadvu - Karumam - Thiruvallom routes will be kept as emergency routes to evacuate persons in case of emergency. Pongala hearths won’t be allowed in these roads and parking is strictly banned along these stretches.

Police will clear people from outer periphery immediately after sanctification in the afternoon.

Traffic restrictions on city roads will be in effect from 2pm on Tuesday till 8pm on Wednesday.

Police also advise devotees to avoid travelling along Kazhakkoottam - Kovalam bypass where road work is progressing. Passengers to the airport are advised to plan their travel in advance and explore alternative routes like beach road by taking a diversion from Mangalapuram.