Sabarimala: Police have intensified security arrangements at Pamba and adjoining places in the wake of Makara Jyothi celebrations. A heavy influx of pilgrims is expected at Sabarimala today. At Pamba alone, 1600 police personnel have been deployed for crowd control and monitoring. 28 places have been readied for the devotees to facilitate the viewing of the Makara Jyothi. Traffic restrictions have been put in place in areas in and around Nilakkal. Nilakkal parking ground has the facility to accommodate up to eight thousand vehicles. Once this is exhausted, vehicles other than KSRTC buses will be stopped at Erumeli and will be routed to parking areas in Erumeli, Pala, and Ponkunnam. The devotees will have to then utilize the KSRTC chain service to get to Pamba.
Vehicles coming from Pathanamthitta should be parked at Vadasserikkara, Laha, and Pathanamthitta. Restrictions have been put in place along the Pamba river where devotees take a ritual dip, especially along the deeper stretches. Devotees coming for the Makara Vilakku should rest in their vehicles and get out of the ground after receiving permission, the Special Officer in charge of the arrangements has informed.
