Green protocol to be strengthened for Attukal Pongala

A green army will be formed to strengthen green protocol for the Attukal Pongala.

The decision was taken at a meeting to review the arrangements for the Attukal Pongala festival to be held from February 23 to March 4. Minister for General Education and Labour V. Sivankutty presided over the meeting that was attended by officials from various departments.

On the Pongala day (March 3), a total of 3,640 police personnel will be deployed for duty.

Police officials sought that the temple premises be divided into two sectors and crowds controlled using barricades rather than using ropes on Pongala day. It was also proposed that the main stage be erected facing not the road but the grounds.

A 24-hour medical team that includes child specialists will also be deployed in connection with the Pongala. Ambulances will be parked at 10 locations. A round the clock medical control room will function on the temple premises. Owing to the threat of burns, 10% of the beds in hospitals near the temple will be reserved for such cases, if any.

The Fire and Rescue Services will operate a control room on all 10 days of the festival.

Nearly 3,500 workers will be deployed for clean-ups in connection with the Pongala.

Water in 27 tankers will be transported the day before the Pongala.

Nearly 200 voluntary organisations that will supply food on the Pongala day have been directed to follow green protocol strictly.

Canals and drains in 16 Corporation wards near the temple will be cleaned. Kerala State Electricity Board will operate a 24-hour control room. The Kerala State Road Transport Corporation will operate 800 special services. As many as 250 tour packages from the northern districts as part of pilgrim tourism will be operated. Special trains and additional trains will also ply.

On March 3, the fire will be lit in the main hearth at 9.45 a.m. The Nivedyam will be held at 2.15 p.m.

Minister for Food and Civil Supplies G.R. Anil, Deputy Mayor Asha Nath G.S., ward councillors, and Attukal Bhagavathy Temple Trust office-bearers attended the meeting.