Last Updated on November 10, 2026 11:56 am by INDIAN AWAAZ
AMN / THIRUVANANTHAPURAM — Kerala Water Resources Minister Mons Joseph has directed officials to complete all barricading work at the Pampa bathing ghat by November 13 as part of state preparation for the upcoming Sabarimala pilgrimage season.
The directive was issued during a high-level follow-up review meeting on Monday, following initial assessment sessions chaired by the Chief Minister in Thiruvananthapuram and Pampa. The Irrigation Department’s Chief Engineer and Superintending Engineer have been entrusted with completing the work within the strict deadline.
Reviewing the progress, Minister Joseph noted that the renovation of the bathing ghats had been carried out satisfactorily and waste clearing at Pampa was complete. He added that the state will coordinate with the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) to regulate dam releases and maintain adequate water levels in the Pampa River.
Key Directives and Pilgrim Amenities:
- Urgent Infrastructure: Fast-tracked completion of barricading work at the Pandalam pilgrim transit centre.
- Drinking Water Supply: Water will be provided directly to pilgrims waiting in queues at Pampa. Water kiosks and sanitation facilities along the Pampa-Sannidhanam route will remain operational throughout the season.
- Forest Route Facilities: A temporary drinking water arrangement will be set up in coordination with the Travancore Devaswom Board for the forest trek, with plans to build a permanent facility after the pilgrimage ends.
- Tariff Relief: Noting that the Kerala Water Authority currently supplies water to the Devaswom Board below production cost, the government will examine reducing the tariff further given the sanctity of the pilgrimage.
The meeting was attended by Pathanamthitta MP Anto Antony, MLAs Varghese Mamman, Pazhakulam Madhu, C V Santhakumar, and Abin Varkey, District Panchayat President Deenamma Roy, and senior department officials.