The Kerala High Court has issued a slew of directions for crowd management at Sabarimala temple during the ongoing Mandala Makaravilakku festival. The court’s orders come in the wake of reports of overcrowding and chaos at the temple.
Restrictions on entry from Pamba
One of the most important directions issued by the court is that entry from Pamba will now be restricted to those with virtual queue or spot booking. This means that pilgrims without a valid booking will not be allowed to enter the temple complex.
Cap on spot booking
The court has also directed the Travancore Devaswom Board to cap the number of spot bookings allowed on days when the maximum limit of bookings through virtual queue is reached. This means that on busy days, the number of spot bookings will be limited to 10,000.
Special queues for women, children, and persons with disabilities
The court has also ordered that there be special queues for women, children, and persons with disabilities. This will help to ensure that these groups of people are not disadvantaged by the crowds.
Additional police personnel and mobile squads
The court has directed the state police to deploy additional personnel to help with crowd control. The court has also ordered that the number of mobile squads patrolling the temple complex be increased from 6 to 12.
Public announcements about restrictions
The court has ordered that the police make regular public announcements about any restrictions that are in place. This will help to ensure that pilgrims are aware of the rules and can plan their darshan accordingly.
The Kerala High Court’s orders are a welcome step in the right direction. The temple has been overcrowded in recent years, and these new measures should help to improve the experience for all pilgrims.
It is important to note that the situation at Sabarimala is still evolving. The court may issue additional orders in the coming days, and it is important for pilgrims to stay up-to-date on the latest information.
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