THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Devaswom minister Kadakampally Surendran has said that the government is open to the idea of allowing more pilgrims per day to Sabarimala temple. He said a decision will be taken in consultation with all departments concerned.
“The temple revenue has been severely hit and it is known to everyone. At present, only 1,000 people are allowed a day. It is a fact that the mandala-makaravilakku festival season cannot be run with the revenue generated from the restricted entry of devotees. Hence, the government support will be there for the smooth conduct of the pilgrimage season,” said the devaswom minister.
The minister said that there is no revenue from the temples under the devaswom board such that the salaries and pensions for the employees can be disbursed. Hence, the government will support the board like it did earlier.
Meanwhile, devotees from Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu were the first to have darshan on Vrichikam 1 as per virtual queue registration. All the devotees who are coming for darshan are subjected to Covid-19 test at Nilackal.
After reviewing the facilities and preparations made at the Sannidhanam, the devaswom minister said the pilgrimage is being conducted as per strict Covid-19 protocols and there will be no compromise on that.
He said the police are ensuring that the social distancing is maintained at the Sannidhanam and also along the trekking path from Pamba to the hill shrine. Pedestal type hand sanitizer dispensers have been set up at 23 spots along the trekking path. At nadapanthal, special arrangements have been made to conduct disinfection at regular intervals. Thermal vaporisation fogging machines are being used for disinfection at Sannidhanam and surrounding areas.
Meanwhile, the director of health services Dr R L Saritha convened a review meeting of the health department at the general hospital in Pamba.
The hospitals at Nilackal, Pamba and Sannidhanam will function round the clock and will have facilities like casualty, lab and pharmacy. All these hospitals will have ICU facilities also to provide emergency care. Five emergency medical care centres have been set up along the trekking path between Pamba and Sannidhanam.