Sabarimala : Works are underway to lay open Kannanapatha – the trekway from Erumeli to Karimala leading to the hilly shrine of Sabarimala. The decision came about at an online meeting of Collectors from three districts led by Devaswom Board Principal Secretary. Pilgrims shall be allowed into the Kannanapatha pathway after the sanctum sanctorum opens for Makaravilaku festival. The route will be have been fully ready for trekking from 30 December.
The meeting also decided to restrict passage through Kannanapatha after 12 at noon for safety of pilgrims from wild animals in the stretch. The thoroughfare from Erumeli to Pampa will be readied in short time now. The clearing of stretch shall be done by the Eco Development Committee that will hire local hands for help, A meeting in this regard will be convened by the DFO shortly. Not traveled for over two years now, there are trees fallen at points blocking the pathway. These shall be removed and risky trees felled. There is financial strain for conduct of these activities however, the government will supply aid required for the arrangements. The final draft toward readying of trekways shall be decided at the high-level assessment meeting slated 11 am Wednesday.
There shall be eight rest centres along the trekway to shrine., as part of which arrangement will be made for shop and toilet facilities. Also will be set up are two cardiac centres and four emergency medical centres(EMCs). Two hospitals shall be set up, one each at Mukkuzhiand Karimala. EMCs shall function at Karimala. Kallidaamkunnu, Karimala and Azhthakadav. Ayyappa Seva Sangh will provide charity meals at four points. Given the possibility of wild animal attacks, security arrangements shall be installed every two kilometers. Around 2 meters of bush shall be cleared to either side of the trekways to prevent wild animal encounters. Team led by Sabarimala ADM Arjun Pndyan will scour the trekway Wednesday to look what further arrangements might be needed.
