The police are turning to technology to keep the Sabarimala hills safer. A new mobile app now helps them digitally register and monitor every worker stepping into the Sannidhanam, Pampa, and Nilackal, throughout the year.
The initiative, called the Pampa Police Sabarimala Workers Data Register App, is a first-of-its-kind project that will enable the police to trace the identity of every worker in real time using their name, Aadhaar number, or phone number. It was conceptualised by Pampa SHO C.K. Manoj and brought to life technically by R.R. Rajesh of the Pathanamthitta Cyber Cell.
Every year, more than 7,000 workers, including around 2,000 from other States, arrive at Sabarimala to take up temporary jobs including catering, shops, cleaning units, and dolly services. Until now, there was no centralised record of who worked where. This lack of data often made it difficult to trace individuals with criminal backgrounds or track those seeking refuge under the cover of employment.
“Instances of people living in disguise in and around Sabarimala during the pilgrimage season are common. Physical registers kept at Pampa and the Sannidhanam were rarely updated in real time, making background checks tedious,’’ said a senior police official.
The process
The idea took shape in April 2025, when the police first launched a digital data collection drive. Google Forms were shared with employers and contractors, while QR codes and registration links were distributed via a WhatsApp group called Pampa Police Labour Data Collection Group. Police teams at KSRTC depots and forest check-posts made sure every incoming worker was registered. So far, over 5,200 workers have been added to the database.
The app has now been installed on every police officer’s phone at Pampa. Officials said the database will prove invaluable especially during high-security events such as the recent visit by the President of India. On such occasions, authorities would need to ensure that every worker in the zone is verified and accounted for.
Next on the cards is the rollout of photo ID cards for all verified workers starting with the 2025-26 pilgrimage season. Police officials say the initiative has already reduced unauthorised entries and improved both security and service efficiency for the millions of devotees who trek to the shrine every year.
Published – November 02, 2025 08:32 pm IST
