The Kerala High Court recently addressed significant issues related to crowd management and the parking of vehicles by pilgrims visiting the Sabarimala temple. The Court issued a set of directions aimed at improving the overall management of the pilgrimage, ensuring the safety and convenience of the devotees, and maintaining order during the peak pilgrimage season. The ruling followed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed concerning the mounting difficulties faced by pilgrims due to inadequate facilities, traffic congestion, and poor crowd control measures.
Background of the Case
Sabarimala, one of the most visited religious sites in India, attracts millions of pilgrims each year, particularly during the pilgrimage season, which spans several months. The influx of devotees often leads to severe crowding, traffic jams, and challenges in managing the vehicles arriving at the temple. The petition highlighted several issues including the lack of proper parking facilities, inadequate infrastructure to handle the large number of pilgrims, and the safety concerns posed by the congested roads and chaotic parking arrangements. The PIL sought the intervention of the Kerala High Court to address these critical concerns and streamline crowd management systems.
Court's Directions
In response to the PIL, the Kerala High Court issued a set of comprehensive directions to the State Government and the authorities responsible for managing the Sabarimala pilgrimage. The Court specifically addressed the following issues:
Parking Facilities: The Court directed the authorities to ensure that adequate parking facilities are created near the base camps, with proper signage and clear instructions to guide the vehicles. Additionally, arrangements for the parking of vehicles, including buses, must be planned in advance to avoid congestion on the roads leading to the temple.
Traffic and Crowd Management: The High Court emphasized the need for effective traffic management plans to be implemented, particularly during peak pilgrimage days. Authorities were instructed to deploy more traffic personnel, install traffic management signs, and introduce one-way traffic systems in critical areas to avoid gridlocks.
Infrastructure Development: The Court urged the government to expedite the development of infrastructure such as roads, pathways, and medical facilities to ensure a smooth pilgrimage experience. The lack of basic amenities for pilgrims, including toilets and resting areas, was also highlighted, and the Court directed authorities to address these issues immediately.
Safety and Emergency Services: The Court also underscored the importance of safety protocols, calling for adequate emergency medical services, including ambulance facilities, at key points. Furthermore, the presence of trained personnel to manage any emergency situations, such as crowd surges, was mandated.
Conclusion
The Kerala High Court's intervention aims to mitigate the difficulties faced by millions of pilgrims visiting Sabarimala. The Court's detailed directions focus on addressing the urgent need for better infrastructure, improved crowd control, and enhanced safety measures during the pilgrimage season. These measures are expected to not only enhance the overall experience of pilgrims but also ensure their safety, while helping authorities manage the large-scale influx of devotees in a more organized and efficient manner.
0 Comments
Thank you for your response. It will help us to improve in the future.