Sabarimala has started witnessing a gradual increase in the pilgrim inflow.
Though it could not be treated as a heavy rush when compared to the previous seasons, 50,000 pilgrims visited the temple by 7 p.m. on Monday.
The police have taken elaborate security measures at Sabarimala Sannidhanam, Pampa and Nilackal in view of protests by Hindu organisations against the Supreme Court verdict permitting women of all age groups to Sabarimala.
The police have installed 72 cameras with face detection facility at Sannidhanam.
Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) member K.P. Sankaradas said the situation at Sabarimala, Pampa and Nilackal was calm.
The Kerala Water Authority had installed reverse osmosis plants and water kiosks at Pampa, Nilackal and along the trekking path. The propaganda on social media that Sabarimala faced acute water scarcity was unfounded, he said.
Steps have been taken to remove solid and liquid waste accumulated at certain points at Sannidhanam and Pampa and sprinkle bleaching powder there. The health squad inspected 10 hotels at Sannidhanam and issued instructions to the licencees to obtain ‘health card’ for all workers. A bio-toilet each would be provided to the Ayyappa Seva Sanghom camp at Saramkuthi and Marakkoottom.
