Representational Image | Photo: Mathrubhumi Archives
Kollam: Amid the COVID-19 crisis, police personnel will not assist the pilgrims at the ‘Padinettam Padi’ in Sabarimala temple. The state police chief has mentioned this in the guidelines issued to the police on Sabarimala duty.
The police personnel were asked to avoid touching the pilgrims. All police officials must wear PPE kit during duty, read the guidelines.
If any police officer tests COVID positive, the officials who came in contact with the patient should act as per the directions of the health department. A platoon will camp at AR camp in Pathanamthitta to replace the COVID-19 patients.
The state police chief also directed the officials to obey the guidelines related to Sabarimala issued by Supreme Court and High Court. The order also pointed out that a review petition related to women entry at Sabrimala is under the consideration of the Supreme Court.
The entry of vendors at Pampa, Sabarimala and Nadapanthal must be restricted.
Inspections should be carried out in each shop to assure fair price is collected from the pilgrims. No shop would be allowed to store additional gas cylinders. The DGP also ordered to strictly implement the plastic ban in the hill shrine and forest path.
Use of rope to manage the queue of pilgrims is also banned.
On Makaravilakku day, arrangements should be made for pilgrims in other centres apart from Pullumedu, Parunthumpara and Panchalimedu. Illegal vendors should be removed from Nilakkal base camp. Sale of banned products should be strictly restricted.
Pilgrims would not be asked to return via Swami Ayappan road as toilets and health centres are not available here.
Pilgrims who head to the shrine through the traditional route from Erumely to Pampa would be allowed to enter Pampa at 5 pm. Those who enter Pampa after 5 pm must be restricted from travelling and police must arrange facilities for their stay at Pampa.
As per the directions of central intelligence, goods taken in tractors to the sannidanam must be examined. People would not be allowed to travel in tractors. Entry through Saranasethu Bailey Bridge, north door (vadakke nada) and the north gate is strictly restricted.
Police officials who are on duty at Sreekovil premises must wear an armband with the number.
The state police chief also explained on the vigilant measures taken to counter the terrorist threat.
The order also pointed out that people using dolly and those in khaki trousers must also be checked.
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