Kerala Police launches QR code armbands for children arriving at Sabarimala temple

Pamba: Amidst the massive crowds of the ongoing Sabarimala Mandala-Makaravilakku pilgrimage, the Kerala Police have introduced technology-enabled safety armbands for children. This measure aims to prevent children from getting lost and helps them unite with their guardians soon.

With the pilgrimage season attracting over 70,000 pilgrims daily, including a huge number of children, managing the flow and ensuring safety is a top priority for authorities.

The high-tech safety bands are provided to all children below the age of ten at the Pamba base camp.

The band clearly displays the child's name and the mobile number of the accompanying guardian. The QR code contains the child's detailed information.

This QR code allows police and other volunteers to instantly scan the details at any checkpoint, helping to locate parents quickly if a child is lost.

Police officials have strongly urged parents and guardians to ensure the armband remains securely on the child's wrist throughout the pilgrimage until they are safely back in their vehicle.

The 'mandala-makaravilakku' season, which commenced on November 16, will run through January next year. The introduction of the digital safety measure is a proactive step, especially following reports of severe overcrowding during the initial days of the season.