TDB to tighten checks on parking fees, essential prices in Keralam’s Erumely

Image for representation. The Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) will step up inspections at Erumely in Kottayam to curb the overcharging of Sabarimala pilgrims for parking, restroom facilities and essential commodities during the upcoming Mandala-Makaravilakku season.A meeting convened by TDB president K. Jayakumar at Erumely on Monday decided to strengthen inspections by special squads and explore involving the Motor Vehicles department (MVD) in monitoring parking grounds and regulating fees charged by contractors. The board will also intensify waste management and increase the capacity for spot booking for Sabarimala darshan from Erumely, Mr. Jayakumar said.The move follows widespread complaints about parking fees in the temple town. The board has revised its auction conditions following a Kerala High Court directive to standardise fees at Devaswom board-owned and privately operated parking facilities, Mr. Jayakumar said.The TDB directly operates five parking grounds at Erumely, while the remaining facilities are privately owned and operated. Special squads will check whether contractors comply with the revised conditions, particularly those governing parking fees. Violations could lead to cancellation of contracts, he warned.The TDB will also bring charges for restroom facilities and prices of food and other essential commodities under closer scrutiny to prevent pilgrims from being overcharged. The meeting discussed the possibility of making land at Perurthodu, currently under the Forest department, available as a halting point for pilgrims.The board will hold discussions with the Forest and Police departments on a demand to allow more pilgrims to use the traditional forest trekking route from Erumely through Kalaketty and Azhuthakadavu.Measures to ease congestion at Erumely include the possible temporary use of an under-construction building near the temple during the pilgrimage season. The daily capacity for Annadanam (free food distribution), currently 4,500 pilgrims, will also be increased.Meanwhile, the panchayat too has begun preparations for the season, including waste management, shop licensing, street lighting and sanitation. Mr. Jayakumar said the board would help the panchayat clear waste from its land. The police said a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) would be mandatory for those employed in temporary shops. Published - October 12, 2026 07:15 pm IST