Curbs on Sabarimala route

 

Pilgrims cannot enter the Vandiperiyar Sathram-Pulmedu-Sannidhanam forest path from both Paandithavalom and Sathram, between 2 p.m. and 6 a.m., from Sunday, P. Chandrashekharan, Additional Director General of Police, has said. The move is to protect pilgrims from wild animals’ attack. At a press conference at Sabarimala, Mr. Chandrashekharan said the police would construct barricades to ensure the safety of pilgrims thronging Pulmedu, Parunthumpara, and Panchalimedu to worship the Makarajyoti on the Makaravilakku day in January.

He said the police would also make arrangements for uninterrupted supply of drinking water to these places on the Makaravilakku day.

The Kerala State Electricity Board would light the forest path between Cheriyanavattom and Oliyampuzha near Valiyanavattom in the backdrop of reported sightings of wild elephants.