Lack of Coordination Between Departments, Poor Preparations; Sabarimala Pilgrims Face Hardship Amid Lapses

Thiruvananthapuram: Pilgrims heading to Sabarimala are facing severe difficulties due to delays and lapses in the measures that the government should have taken ahead of the pilgrimage season. The failure to provide adequate facilities even for pilgrims who arrived when the temple opened for the Thulamasa poojas the other day exposed the extent of the shortcomings.

The lack of coordination among various government departments and the failure to make necessary preparations have pushed the pilgrimage into a crisis. Most government departments have specific responsibilities at Sabarimala. The Devaswom, Forest, Health, Transport, Public Works, Local Self-Government and Water Resources departments must complete preparations through coordinated discussions and action. However, the mismanagement of the Devaswom Department, which should take the lead, has worsened the situation. Misled by the statements of a pro-government organisation within the Devaswom Board, the minister's office and the department failed to properly understand the situation.

The difficulties faced by devotees who arrived for the Thulamasa poojas the other day exposed the government's failure to ensure coordination. Inadequate transport facilities led to severe congestion among pilgrims travelling between Nilamel and Pamba in both directions. Delays in completing road works added to their travel woes.

With KSRTC buses in short supply, pilgrims had to be transported in police vehicles. The police also failed to manage the crowds, forcing devotees to wait in queues for long periods. Those who stood in queues for hours were not provided with drinking water or food. Sanitation facilities at Sannidhanam were in an extremely poor condition.

Around 50,000 pilgrims arrived each day, but the authorities had failed to anticipate the numbers. The state government did not make the necessary interventions with the Railways to secure additional coaches on trains, causing difficulties for pilgrims from other states. KSRTC services from other districts were also limited. The shortage of healthcare facilities added to the hardships faced by pilgrims.

Although the 'Mandala' season is approaching, even half of the preparations remain incomplete. Delays in tender procedures for several works have compounded the problem. Once the flow of pilgrims begins, transporting supplies by tractor along the same route will become difficult.

Repair work at Sannidhanam and Pamba is still under way. Preparations for facilities for police personnel and others are also progressing slowly. Even if the authorities expedite the work now, the shortcomings may not be fully rectified in time.