Date:18/12/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/12/18/stories/2007121850030100.htm

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‘Aravana’ shortage to end in a week

Special Correspondent

Chief Minister says other problems at Sabarimala too will be solved

V.S. Achuthanandan

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan said here on Monday that the issue of ‘aravana’ shortage at Sabarimala would be solved in a week’s time. Other problems at the pilgrim centre too were being addressed.

After a conference of officials from various departments, the Chief Minister told presspersons that supply of ‘aravana’ would be increased to 1.5 lakh tins a day. Besides, an additional counter would be opened for supply in containers brought by the pilgrims. With that, rationing of ‘aravana’ would be stopped. Health-care facilities at Sabarimala and on the route to the temple would be improved. A mini-operation theatre with 20 beds would be started at Sabarimala before December 31.

The number of police personnel needed for security and crowd control had been increased by 10 per cent and would go up in the coming days.

The Chief Minister said appointment of a senior official to oversee matters at Sabarimala, pending investigation into charges against Travancore Devaswom Board members, would be considered.

A few Ministers, including Minister for Devaswoms and Cooperation G. Sudhakaran, had not attended the conference, as it was convened at short notice. They had pressing engagements elsewhere.

The members of the Board were excluded and an official-level conference convened as there were complaints against the former. Another conference would be convened before the Makaravilakku festival.

Mr. Achuthanandan said that steps had been taken to improve water quality at Sabarimala.

Water shortages had been solved and water quality improved by 50 per cent.

In view of the shortage of space for parking, five more acres of land would be made available so that 8,000 more vehicles could be parked.

He said the rush at Sabarimala arose from the fact that only 1.25 lakh devotees could visit Sannidhanam a day at the rate of 5,000 people an hour.

The number of policemen would be increased in phases from 900 in November to more than 2,100 by January 9, Mr. Achuthanandan said.