Pathanamthitta: Authorities have decided to intensify surveillance along the traditional forest route to the Sabarimala Lord Ayyappa temple to manage heavy crowding during the ongoing pilgrimage season.

The decision was taken at a review meeting held at the Devaswom Hall in Erumely, chaired by Devaswom Minister VN Vasavan. As the model code of conduct is in place due to the local body elections, approval from the Kerala High Court was obtained to convene the meeting.

According to an official release, pilgrims trekking via the forest path will be required to follow only the traditional route to reach Sannidhanam, as using alternative tracks could disrupt existing arrangements.

Monitoring will be stepped up at key points, including Mukkuzhi, with support from the Forest Department and the police.

Officials said pilgrims taking the forest route are “allowed to come only through the traditional path”. The meeting also agreed to explore the possibility of spot booking at Mukkuzhi in unavoidable situations, but such pilgrims must still pass through Pampa before proceeding to Sannidhanam.

Pilgrims arriving ahead of their booked date will be required to wait until their allotted slot, and devotees were urged to travel only on the scheduled day.

Security will be strengthened across Sabarimala and all transit points to ensure safety, with police units instructed to improve coordination to prevent crowding and bottlenecks. Preparations by various departments in Erumely and neighbouring areas were reviewed.

The Health and Food Safety Departments will jointly inspect locations to ensure safe drinking water. As directed by the High Court, checks will also be tightened to ensure no chemical kumkumam is used.

The Devaswom Board informed the meeting that mobile septage treatment units taken on temporary allocation from Kumarakom and Changanassery are being effectively deployed to manage waste in Erumely.

Those present included Travancore Devaswom Board president K Jayakumar, board members K. Raju and PD Santhosh Kumar, ADGP S Sreejith, Ernakulam Range DIG Dr Satheesh Bino, Kottayam District Collector Chetankumar Meena, District Police Chief A Shahu Hameed, Devaswom Commissioner B Sunil Kumar and Kottayam RDO Jinu Punnose.

Meanwhile, the number of devotees who have visited Sabarimala this season has crossed 10 lakh (1,029,451). On Thursday, the 12th day of the pilgrimage, 79,707 devotees climbed the hill by 7 pm, the Devaswom Board said.

Despite heavy crowds, devotees have reported a smooth darshan experience, with minimal waiting time after leaving Pampa, the board added.

PTI inputs