Thiruvananthapuram: The Travancore Devaswom Board is set to introduce strict measures to ensure quality and cleanliness of food served at hotels in Sabarimala. Along with revising tender conditions, the Board plans to bring organisations such as Kudumbashree, Indian Coffee House and KTDC into the hotel sector at Sannidhanam and Pampa.

A checklist including mandatory health cards for hotel workers will now form part of the tender conditions. Food outlets that fail to comply with the guidelines will face closure.

At present, complaints against hotels usually lead only to inspections and fines by the Food Safety Department. Many workers reportedly do not possess health cards, while several hotels lack proper hygiene in and around their premises. Some establishments are also accused of occupying more space than allotted by the Board. These issues are expected to be addressed as part of the “Vision Sabarimala” initiative.

Existing private operators will not be completely excluded from the bidding process, but the Board plans to ensure strict compliance with regulations. The move also follows recent inspections by Travancore Devaswom Board president K Jayakumar, who reportedly found several violations.

Waste management has also emerged as a major concern. According to the Board, lobbying by contractor groups has long influenced hotel tenders. Contractors often avoid bidding initially citing high rates, only for authorities to reduce rates close to the pilgrimage season and finalise tenders later. The Board says this practice will end.

It is also considering shifting the entire hotel tender process to e-tendering.

Although the Devaswom Board conducts free anadhanam during the two-month Mandala-Makaravilakku pilgrimage season and monthly poojas, pilgrims continue to depend heavily on hotels and eateries at Sannidhanam and Pampa. Many stalls reportedly crowd pathways, making movement difficult for devotees. Jayakumar said pilgrim convenience would be given top priority.

Since Kudumbashree is a women’s collective, members who are barred from entering Sabarimala due to age restrictions can operate food outlets at Pampa, while women outside the restricted age group can work at Sannidhanam. The Board said Kudumbashree, Indian Coffee House and KTDC were being considered because of their credibility and reliability.