Kerala high court seeks KSRTC's response on bus service disruption at Sabarimala
Kochi: High court has sought instructions from Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) regarding a report filed by the Sabarimala special commissioner which stated that chain services between Nilakkal and Pamba were halted without prior notice on April 16, during the annual holy festival and 'Meda Masa Puja.
'According to the report, the services were suspended at 7pm on April 16 without informing higher authorities, the police coordinator or the special commissioner, allegedly due to a diesel shortage at the Nilakkal petrol pump. While considering the report on Tuesday, a bench of Justices Anil K Narendran and M B Snehalatha directed KSRTC's counsel to get instructions regarding the alleged incident. The matter has been adjourned to May 20 for further hearing.The report also highlighted that the disruption in the chain service of buses seriously affected devotees. It requested HC to issue directions to the concerned authorities to ensure that higher officials are informed promptly in such situations and that sufficient fuel is maintained at the devaswom board-owned petrol bunks at Nilakkal and Pamba to prevent the recurrence of such incidents. Referring to an accident at Kanamala on April 16, which led to the death of one devotee and injuries to 27 others, the special commissioner recommended the deployment of one or two teams from the Safe Zone initiative during monthly pujas, citing the increasing flow of vehicles and pilgrims.In addition, the court was informed that 13 devotees who had consumed food from Stall No 88 (Coffee Land Hotel at Pamba) were admitted to a govt hospital on suspicion of food poisoning. A temporary closure notice was issued to the hotel on April 12, and it reopened the following day after an inspection by the special squad. The special commissioner also refuted reports that currency notes were destroyed in a fire at Sabarimala, stating that the allegation was false and appeared to have been fabricated by certain staff members with ulterior motives. Meanwhile, it was observed that 14 sacks of damaged currency notes, along with a large quantity of foreign coins, lamps and bells were found dumped in the old and new bhandarams (temple treasuries).Finally, the report noted deviations in the moisture content of Appam and Aravana as observed in recent test reports. This was attributed to a mechanical defect in the boiler. Urgent maintenance was recommended, and the executive officer was directed to ensure that moisture levels remain within permissible limits.
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