The Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) would apprise the Supreme Court of the untoward incidents at Sabarimala during the previous monthly puja period and Chithira Attavishesham festival following protests by Hindu organisations when it moves the Supreme Court seeking more time to implement the verdict permitting entry for women of all ages to the Sabarimala Ayyappa temple.
Addressing mediapersons at Pampa on Friday, TDB president A. Padmakumar and member K.P. Sankaradas said the court would be also be informed of the hurdles in carrying out any construction activity at the flood-ravaged Pampa Manalppuram as the Central Empowered Committee and the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change had issued strict directions against carrying out any construction activity in the area. According to sources, this would come in the way of providing more pilgrim facilities as women also start trekking to the holy hillock.
However, the TDB had made every effort to ensure maximum possible amenities at Pampa, they said.
Chain service
Devaswom Minister Kadakampally Surendran said the government had taken necessary steps for the peaceful conduct of the annual pilgrimage. He was talking to reporters after inaugurating the Nilackal-Pampa chain service of the KSRTC and ticket vending machines at Nilackal on Friday afternoon.
He said the Kerala Water Authority (KWA) had made arrangements to supply two lakh litres of drinking water to the Nilackal base camp on a daily basis. The Health Department had initiated elaborate health-care facilities at Nilackal, Pampa and the Sannidhanam.
Transport Minister A.K. Saseendran launched the Safe Zone Project of the Motor Vehicles Department at a function held at Elavunkal, near Nilackal.
