Kochi: The Kerala High Court has directed that vehicles carrying pilgrims to Sabarimala should not be equipped with LED lights, banning decorative bulbs during the pilgrimage season. The court instructed authorities to educate drivers about this ban to ensure safety and compliance. The decision follows concerns over the safety of vehicles, particularly after a recent incident where a KSRTC bus was involved in a fire.
KSRTC bus fire: Court seeks explanation
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The court also sought an explanation from the KSRTC regarding a bus that was destroyed in a fire near Chalakayam on the Pampa-Nilakkal road. Another bus carrying pilgrims from Tamil Nadu had overturned, and video footage revealed that it was equipped with LED bulbs. The KSRTC’s Standing Counsel confirmed that the bus which caught fire, which was only eight years old, was fully operational before the incident. The court has directed the Transport Commissioner to ensure that safety measures under the Sabarimala Safe Zone scheme are being enforced.
Continuous monitoring for cleanliness, infrastructure, and safety
The High Court also called for continuous monitoring to maintain cleanliness and improve amenities at key pilgrimage locations such as Sannidhanam, the pilgrimage path, Nilakkal, and Pampa. Both the government and the Travancore Devaswom Board assured the court that cleanliness measures, including those at Sannidhanam, are being effectively implemented.
The authorities also informed the court that new temporary excise offices and check posts for drug testing have been set up to ensure safety during the pilgrimage. Parking areas lacking FASTag counters will be equipped with such facilities within a week to facilitate smoother movement for pilgrims. The court also heard that services at the pilgrim rest shelters are being managed efficiently by the respective devaswoms.
Published: 19 Nov 2024, 07:53 am IST
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