All arrangements in place in Idukki for Makaravilakku

The Idukki district administration has completed all necessary arrangements for the Makaravilakku festival, District Collector Dinesan Cheruvat said.

“Elaborate arrangements have been put in place for traffic management, emergency response, sanitation, healthcare services, and the supply of drinking water, with the coordinated support of multiple departments,” the Collector said.

To ensure the safety and security of pilgrims, around 1,500 police personnel have been deployed at various locations across the district.

According to officials, pilgrims will be permitted to witness the Makarajyothi only from the designated viewpoints at Panchalimedu, Parunthumpara, and Pullumedu. However, trekking from Pullumedu to Sannidhanam or Sathram will not be allowed after the Makarajyothi darshan.

To ease traffic congestion, additional police personnel have been deployed at all major junctions along the Kumily and Cumbum Mettu routes. For enhanced security, two police aid posts have been set up along the Pullumedu and Kozhikkanam routes. High-intensity ‘Aksa’ lights have been installed to ensure adequate illumination on key access roads leading to Pullumedu. In addition, an elephant squad has been deployed along the Pullumedu–Kozhikkanam stretch to monitor and manage the movement of wild animals.

The Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) will operate special bus services on the Kumily–Kozhikkanam route from 6:00 a.m. on Makaravilakku day. A specialised medical team has also been stationed at Pullumedu to provide emergency medical assistance.

In view of the expected heavy influx of pilgrim vehicles, the District Collector has declared a holiday for schools in the panchayats of Kumily, Vandiperiyar, Peerumade, Peruvanthanam, and Kokkayar on Wednesday (January 14). The measure is aimed at ensuring public safety and preventing potential accidents during peak traffic hours.

On Tuesday (January 13), a high-level official team, comprising the Ernakulam Range Deputy Inspector General of Police, the Idukki District Police Chief, and the Azhutha range officer, visited Pullumedu to review the final security arrangements.