Dist administration prepares for Attukal Pongala festival

T'puram: With the Attukal Pongala festival set to take place from March 5 to 14, the district administration is gearing up to ensure a smooth and safe celebration. A review meeting, held at the collectorate conference hall and led by sub-collector Alfred OV, outlined key measures to be completed by Feb 25.
To prevent fire hazards, police authorities have prohibited setting up Pongala hearths near petrol pumps, transformers and railway compounds. A dedicated police helpline will be introduced and joint inspections with the excise department will be conducted. Strict traffic regulations will be enforced, including a ban on roadside parking on the day of Pongala. Health and safety arrangements are also being prioritized. On Pongala day, 11 ambulances from the corporation and fire and rescue services will be deployed. For the Kuthiyottam ritual, which will see 650 children participating this year, a 24-hour medical team, including a paediatrician, will be available, as confirmed by the district medical officer.
In line with the green protocol, the ‘Green Pongala, Sacred Pongala' campaign will be intensified under the leadership of the Sanitation Mission. Waste from the festival will be deposited at Cheruvakkal and Eanchakkal, with fire and safety units stationed at disposal sites.
To meet the drinking water needs of devotees, water tanks and tanker lorries will be set up across the city by the corporation, KWA and Thiruvananthapuram Taluk. Also, two e-toilets with 12 seats each will be installed on the temple premises. ADM Beena P Anand has directed KSRTC to arrange special buses to facilitate travel to railway stations and bus stands after the Pongala.