TDB sets November 10 as deadline to complete works at Sabarimala

Image for representation. Even as concern mount over the delay in completing infrastructure works at Sabarimala, the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) has set November 10 as the deadline for completing major works at Nilackal, Pampa and the Sannidhanam ahead of the annual Mandalam-Makaravilakku pilgrimage.During a visit to Pathanamthitta on Saturday, TDB president K. Jayakumar said there was no need for concern over the preparations. He reviewed arrangements for crowd management, virtual queue system, emergency operation centres and the control room at Pampa, besides facilities for police personnel to be deployed for the pilgrimage. District Collector A. Nizamuddin and District Police Chief R. Anand were also present.Inspection squadsThe meeting also reviewed waste management at source and measures to ensure the quality of food served to pilgrims. The functioning of inspection squads tasked with checking pilgrim facilities and food quality was also assessed.Mr. Jayakumar said all 21 parking lots at Nilackal would be equipped with AI-enabled cameras using police funds. The work would be undertaken by the Police Housing and Construction Corporation, though the responsibility should have rested with the Devaswom board, he said.The meeting also discussed a possible increase in the daily wages of workers engaged in pilgrimage-related duties. Mr. Jayakumar said the remuneration of Vishuddhi Sena volunteers had been increased last season and that a similar revision for daily-wage workers was under consideration.Official sources, however, said delays in procedural formalities and persistent rain are hampering infrastructure works. The slow pace of renovation on the Chalakkayam-Pampa road, the main access route to Pampa, remains a major concern. The work began late and had to be suspended for five days soon after its commencement owing to the monthly puja season. Rain has further delayed progress.Renovation works at the Sannidhanam also remain incomplete. “The works will have to be taken up on a war footing to ensure their completion before the Mandalam season begins,” an official said.Price listsMeanwhile, the district administration has made it mandatory for all eateries in Pathanamthitta to prominently display the price lists issued by the District Collector in multiple languages during the 2026-27 Sabarimala pilgrimage season.The lists must be displayed in a manner that allows pilgrims to read them easily. Published - October 25, 2026 07:39 pm IST