District Collector S. Harikishore, accompanied by Assistant Collector Sriram Venkitaraman, on Friday undertook a trip to Pampa through the Azhutha- Karimala- Valiyanavattom forest path to inspect the pilgrim facilities there.
Mr. Harikishore told The Hindu that the pilgrims had been getting a modicum of basic facility at different points on this 48-km forest path. Various eco-development committees (EDCs) attached to the Forest Department had opened 250 shops and eateries at different points along the route.
The Collector had also interacted with the pilgrims undertaking the pilgrimage through the route. He said many pilgrims had expressed satisfaction over the existing facilities.
Mr. Harikishore also visited the Ayyappa Seva Sanghom camps at Karimala and Valiyanavattom. He said the Sanghom had been doing commendable services to the pilgrims.
He said the EDC shops had promptly displayed the price list of various food and consumer articles. The Collector also examined the quality of food items sold at these shops.
C. Babu, Deputy Director of Periyar Tiger Reserve, and P.J. Sebastian, chairman of the Confederation of EDCs, accompanied the Collector.
