A Division Bench of the Kerala High Court on Tuesday directed the Revenue, Police, and Forest Departments, Travancore Devaswom Board, and other stakeholders to ensure that no pilgrims are permitted to reach Pampa or the Sannidhanam in connection with the Onam pujas from August 23 to 27.
The Bench of Justice P.R. Ramachandra Menon and Justice Devan Ramachandran ordered that if any pilgrim came to Pampa, they should be sent back well in advance, preferably at Nilackal or such other places as the authorities found it appropriate.
The court passed the directive based on a report filed by M. Manoj, Special Commissioner, Sabarimala. According to him, massive damage had been caused to roads, electricity supply lines, telecommunication networks, and bridges at Pampa in the recent floods. The Pumpa river had overflowed and changed its course through Pamba Nadapanthal, service roads, and adjoining areas. The original course at the Thriveni bridge was filled with silt and debris.
Considering the report of the Special Commissioner, the Bench observed that his suggestions required to be accepted and given effect to.
TDB request
The Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) has urged pilgrims not to visit Sabarimala when the temple opens for Onam pujas since the Pamba river and its precincts were unsafe.