Kerala High Court orders Travancore Devaswom Board to rectify fire safety lapses at Sabarimala Sannidhanam

The Kerala High Court has issued strict directives to the Travancore Devaswom Board to rectify lapses observed in the fire safety systems at the Sabarimala Sannidhanam. The important order was passed by a bench comprising Justice Raja Vijayaraghavan and Justice K.V. Jayakumar. The Court emphasised that the maintenance of operational fire safety systems is not a part of ordinary routine, but a serious issue linked to potential risks to human life.

According to a report by The Hindu, the Court has directed the authorities to establish safety systems at the Sannidhanam in accordance with the standards of the National Building Code. This includes a fully operational hydrant network with adequate water pressure, automatic sprinkler systems, fire detection and alarm systems, smoke management facilities, as well as properly maintained fire extinguishers at all critical buildings and locations.

The Fire and Rescue Services Department had previously reported that the buildings at the Sannidhanam fall short of the prescribed fire safety standards. The department noted that many fire extinguishers are not operational. The department clarified to the Court that the responsibility for providing and maintaining permanent fire safety infrastructure lies with the building owners and the concerned authorities.

As part of the preparations, the Fire and Rescue Services Department stated that temporary fire stations have been set up at 8 locations and 1,800 personnel will be appointed in six phases. Additionally, to ensure the safety of devotees, 18 scuba divers will be deployed in each phase. 32 fire and rescue vehicles will be made available for emergency response. In the context of the Makaravilakku festival, approximately 150 Fire and Rescue Services personnel with 30 rescue vehicles will be deployed at 11 designated points.

The Court was considering reports from various authorities regarding maintenance work carried out at the Sannidhanam for the pilgrimage season starting in mid-November. During this, the Court ordered the Local Self-Governments Department to deploy four additional squads to continuously monitor the preparatory work in Erumeli. Simultaneously, the Board has been asked to deploy additional staff to stop the unauthorised sale of synthetic kumkum.

Regarding food quality, the Food Safety Department stated that raw materials used for making Aravana and Appam will be allowed into the Sannidhanam only after necessary quality checks at the Pampa laboratory. The Board and the Food Safety Department informed the Court that the laboratory facilities at Pampa would be further strengthened. Authorities clarified that strict action will be taken against anyone violating the Food Safety Act.