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Sabarimala, Nov 19 (IANS) The two-month-long annual pilgrimage season is witnessing a huge surge in the number of devotees, with authorities introducing strict crowd control measures at the Sabarimala temple from Saturday.
The temple opened the pilgrimage season on Monday, and unlike last time, there was a huge crowd, which went undetected by the authorities, leading to anarchy.
From Wednesday, the spot booking facility has been limited to 20,000 per day to prevent crowding and ensure a smooth darshan process at the hill temple.
Officials said that once the pilgrims reach Pamba, arrangements will be made to facilitate their darshan and their return within the stipulated time frame.
In cases where the number of visitors exceeds the daily capacity, provision for darshan will be made on the next day.
The police and Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) have strengthened the surveillance system to avoid crowding at major entry points.
Entry from Nilakkal to Pamba will now be controlled on the basis of number per hour.
Accommodation and rest facilities have been arranged at Nilakkal to assist devotees whose darshan slots have been rescheduled or delayed.
Additional staff have been deployed at queue complexes on Marakkattam, Saramkuthi and Sannidhanam routes to manage long queues and ensure orderly movement.
The authorities have also assured that drinking water will be available in all queue complexes.
Additionally, light refreshments and traditional dry ginger coffee (Chukku Kapi) will be provided free of cost to the weary pilgrims.
To strengthen crowd management and emergency response capabilities, the first team of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) from Thrissur has already reached the temple town.
Another team from Chennai is expected to arrive by Saturday evening.
These teams will assist the local authorities in managing the increasing number of pilgrims and dealing with any potential threat.
With lakhs of devotees expected to arrive in the coming days, officials have urged pilgrims to strictly adhere to their allotted time slots and cooperate with security personnel to ensure a safe and disciplined pilgrimage.
–IANS
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