Barricading of Pampa ghats in Keralam to be completed by November 13

File photo of the Pampa bathing ghat.

Keralam Water Resources Minister Mons Joseph has directed the Irrigation department to complete barricading at the bathing ghats of the Pampa before November 13, while promising steps in coordination with the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) to regulate dam water levels and maintain adequate flow in the river during the Sabarimala pilgrimage season.

At a review meeting to assess the progress of works undertaken by the Irrigation department and the Kerala Water Authority (KWA) for the pilgrimage here on Monday, the Minister entrusted the Irrigation Chief Engineer and Superintending Engineer with ensuring that the barricading work was completed within the deadline.

Renovation works

The renovation of the bathing ghats had been completed satisfactorily and the area had been cleared of waste, he said. Steps would also be taken in coordination with the KSEB to regulate water levels in the dams and maintain the required level in the river.

Barricading at the Pandalam pilgrim shelter will also be completed on a priority basis. Drinking water will be provided to pilgrims waiting in queues at Pampa to proceed to Sabarimala. A temporary arrangement will be made in coordination with the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) to provide drinking water along the forest route. A permanent facility will be set up after the pilgrimage season in consultation with the TDB and the Forest department.

The Minister also said steps would be taken to ensure the proper functioning of water kiosks and sanitation facilities along the Pampa-Sannidhanam route. The KWA was supplying water to the TDB at a rate below the production cost. Considering the importance of the pilgrimage, the government would consider a further reduction in the tariff, he said.

Published - November 09, 2026 08:51 pm IST