The Kerala High Court has directed the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) to ensure basic facilities for Sabarimala pilgrims at Erumely.
In addition, a Deputy Collector ought to be appointed to ensure better coordination and to resolve complaints of devotees. This followed a plea by Ayyappa Seva Sangam that works for the welfare of devotees at Erumely, seeking to improve amenities for the pilgrims.
In addition, steps must be taken to ensure that excessive parking fee is not collected. Moreover, drinking water and wash rooms must be provided to devotees. Parking centres that charge the rates as per the higher slab must arrange among others, CCTV surveillance and a mobile booking app for advance booking of parking space, apart from online payment facilities like UPI.
The court had said earlier that it was the TDB’s duty to ensure adequate facilities for pilgrims at all ‘edathavalams’, including at Erumely. The court also had issued directions to ensure safe and comfortable pilgrimage for devotees, and to prevent their exploitation by traders and others.
