Barricading of Pampa ghat for Sabarimala pilgrimage to be completed by November 13

Kerala's Water Resources Minister Mons Joseph has ordered the Irrigation Department to complete the barricading work at the Pampa bathing ghat by November 13, ahead of the Sabarimala pilgrimage season. According to a report by The Hindu, a meeting was held on Monday to review the progress of works carried out by the Irrigation Department and the Kerala Water Authority (KWA) for the pilgrimage. During this meeting, the Minister assigned responsibility to the Chief Engineer and Superintending Engineer of the Irrigation Department to ensure the barricading work is completed within the stipulated deadline.

The Minister stated that the renovation of the bathing ghat has been completed satisfactorily and waste has been cleared from the area. Additionally, he promised that water levels in the dam would be regulated in coordination with the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) to ensure sufficient water flow in the river during the Sabarimala pilgrimage.

Under this planning, barricading at the Pandalam pilgrim shelter will also be completed on a priority basis. Drinking water will be provided to devotees waiting in queues at Pampa to proceed to Sabarimala. For drinking water arrangements on the forest route, temporary measures will be put in place in coordination with the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB). After the pilgrimage season ends, a permanent facility will be established in consultation with the TDB and the Forest Department.

The Minister further stated that necessary steps will be taken to ensure that water kiosks and sanitation facilities on the Pampa-Sannidhanam route remain properly operational. Currently, the Kerala Water Authority is providing water supply to the TDB at a rate lower than the production cost. Considering the importance of the pilgrimage, the government will consider further reducing this tariff.