Sabarimala Chaos: Kerala HC Slams TDB for Inadequate Crowd Management
Image Source: Internet
The Kerala High Court has expressed severe disappointment with the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) for failing to manage crowds effectively at the Sabarimala temple. During the recent Mandalam-Makaravilakku pilgrimage, nearly 200,000 pilgrims arrived within 48 hours, leading to chaotic conditions at the shrine. Pilgrims faced long queues without access to basic amenities like food and drinking water, and crowd control near the 18 holy steps was also a major concern. The court pointed out a lack of coordination among officials, including those from the TDB and the police, which contributed to the massive crowds. The court emphasized that essential services, such as sanitation and drinking water, were severely lacking. To address these issues, the TDB has been ordered to install additional eco-friendly toilets and ensure that each toilet unit is manned by a dedicated attendant to maintain hygiene. The court also directed that 200 out of 423 available rooms at Sannidhanam must be reserved exclusively for online booking to promote transparency and equal opportunity. Authorities must ensure uninterrupted availability of safe and adequate drinking water at Sannidhanam, Pamba, and the trekking path. The opposition has criticized the State and the TDB for not taking preparatory measures before the pilgrimage season, leading to the current chaos. The court has given the TDB an opportunity to rectify the situation and improve crowd management for future pilgrimages.
