Kerala Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala has said the state will put in place extensive police security arrangements for Ayyappa devotees undertaking the foot pilgrimage to Sabarimala.
Speaking in Thiruvananthapuram, he urged pilgrims to fully use the virtual queue system introduced as part of efforts to manage crowding. He said awareness measures would be taken to improve its usage.
The minister said Kerala Police would hold consultations with police officials from Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Karnataka to coordinate arrangements. Police personnel have also been instructed to maintain a friendly approach towards devotees.
To handle emergencies, services of the Rapid Action Force, Fire and Rescue teams will be ensured, with fire engines kept ready along key routes. Parking facilities for about 400 to 500 vehicles at a time are planned in the Nilakkal–Jakkupallam area to improve traffic flow.
Surveillance cameras to be installed at Sannidhanam, Pamba and Nilakkal will be linked to the police control room. Police will verify details of people working in shops and establishments at Sannidhanam and Pamba, and a ban has been imposed on leaving clothes in the Pamba river.
