Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala Police are preparing for the Makaravilakku festival at the Sabarimala hill shrine on January 14 by deploying a total of 5,000 personnel to ensure security and smooth management of the event.
The festival is expected to attract over 2.5 lakh devotees to the temple. The police have set up comprehensive plans to manage the influx of pilgrims and ensure their safety during the religious event.
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Deployment details for Makaravilakku
According to a statement released by the police on Saturday, the deployment will be as follows:
- 1,800 officers at Sannidhanam
- 800 officers at Pampa
- 700 officers at Nilakkal
- 1,050 officers in Idukki
- 650 officers in Kottayam
Additionally, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the Rapid Action Force (RAF) will assist the police in maintaining law and order throughout the festival.
Kerala State Police Chief Sheikh Darvesh Sahib visited Sabarimala on Saturday to assess the security arrangements in place for the festival. The police have put in place a plan to ensure devotees can have a safe and smooth experience while viewing the Makara Jyothi and descending the hill shrine.
Special security for Thiruvabharanam procession, key locations
A special security plan has been arranged for the Thiruvabharanam procession, which is scheduled to arrive at the temple on the evening of Makaravilakku day. The plan includes the deployment of an SP, 12 DySPs, 31 Circle Inspectors, and 1,440 other police personnel.
Security has been enhanced at all critical locations, with close coordination between the police, fire and rescue services, and the NDRF. Senior officers will supervise operations from strategic points to ensure everything runs smoothly.
A high-level meeting is set to take place on Sunday with representatives from all departments to finalize the preparations. This will ensure that all necessary arrangements are in place for the festival's safe execution.
Exit plan in place for post-festival crowd management
To manage the crowds after the festival, an exit plan has been prepared. This plan will be executed if necessary to ensure the safe and orderly descent of devotees from the hill shrine.
It is important to note that the Makaravilakku festival has seen tragic incidents in the past. In 2011, a devastating crowd crush at Pullumedu, near Sabarimala, led to the deaths of 106 devotees. This tragedy occurred on January 14, 2011, during Makara Jyothi Day and was later declared a national disaster.
Agency
Published: 12 Jan 2025, 01:11 pm IST
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