Clear encroachments on path of Thiruvabharanam procession

MINISTER for Forests and Wildlife Protection A K Saseendran on Thursday said that the forest department is all set with adequate arrangements ahead of the Makaravilakku festival.

- EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE @Pathanamthitta

Presiding over the review meeting held at the Pampa Sri Ramasaketham Hall, he said the government has made impeccable arrangements for the Mandala Pooja through the coordinated work of various departments.

Highlighting estimates, he said, a total of 1,40,534 pilgrims have reached the traditional forest route via Mukkuzhi and 86,980 via Satram till January 1.

As part of mitigating human-wildlife conflict, eco-guards have been deployed on Azhuthakadavu-Pampa, Pampa-Sannidhanam, and Satram-Sannidhanam routes. A total of 109 wild boars have been relocated from Sannidhanam and Pampa, said Minister Saseendran.

Elephant squads have been deployed at Pampa, Sannidhanam, and Pullumedu and temporary solar fences have been installed at all bases. Patrolling is being carried out efficiently on traditional trek routes, he added.