Pampa ghats barricade in Keralam to be completed by November 13

File photo of Pampa bathing ghat.

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

At a review meeting on Monday to review the progress of work done by the Irrigation Department and the Kerala Water Authority (KWA) for the pilgrimage here, the Chief Irrigation Engineer and the Chief Engineer were instructed by the Minister to ensure that the barricade work is completed within the stipulated time.

Renovation work

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

Barricading at the Pandalam Pilgrim Shelter will also be completed on priority. Drinking water will be provided to pilgrims waiting in queues at Pampa to travel to Sabarimala. In coordination with the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), a temporary arrangement will be made to provide drinking water along the forest road. The permanent facility will be set up after the end of the pilgrimage season in consultation with the TDB and the forest department.

The minister also said that steps would be taken to ensure proper functioning of water kiosks and sanitation facilities along the Pampa-Sannidhanam route. KWA supplied water to TDB at a rate lower than the cost of production. Considering the importance of the pilgrimage, he said, the government would consider reducing the tariff further.

Published – 09 Nov 2026 20:51 IST