Rs 5 lakh accident insurance for Sabarimala pilgrims and staff

Thiruvananthapuram: The Travancore Devaswom Board has announced a new accident insurance policy for Sabarimala pilgrims and staff, including daily wage workers. In the event of an accidental death, the dependents of the deceased will receive Rs 5 lakh.

Discussions are also ongoing to cover medical expenses for those injured in accidents. This insurance policy is valid for one year, with the premium costs covered by the Travancore Devaswom Board.

Pilgrims are insured against accidents not only in the Pathanamthitta district, where the Sabarimala temple is located, but also in Alappuzha, Idukki, and Kottayam districts. Temporary employees working at Sabarimala will also be covered for accidental deaths.

Meanwhile, amid the ongoing controversy surrounding spot bookings at Sabarimala Temple, it has come to light that virtual queue bookings have been reduced by 10,000 per day, down from the previously announced 80,000.

Also, in preparation for the Mandala-Makaravilakku pilgrimage season, detailed meetings were held under the chairmanship of the Chief Minister and attended by the Devaswom Minister, Travancore Devaswom Board officials, police, and district administration to plan and ensure smooth pilgrimage arrangements.

Arrangements include ambulance services at Nilakkal and Pampa, the establishment of 12 emergency medical centres, collaboration with the Forest Department to set up medical centres along the Karimala route, and ensuring the availability of cardiologists. Road maintenance and safety measures on the forest routes have also been prioritised, along with provisions for pilgrims arriving from other states.