Kerala Rains: Sabarimala Pilgrims Banned From Entering Rivers, Bathing Ghats Due To Severe Rainfall Till Further Notice

Kerala Rains: Authorities in Kerala have banned Sabarimala pilgrims from crossing rivers or using bathing ghats due to the severe rainfall in the districts of Pathanamthitta and Idukki. They have also banned pilgrims from traveling to the hill temple via the forest path via Sathram.

These interim limits have been implemented to guarantee pilgrims' safety, according to separate directives issued by the District Collectors of Idukki and Pathanamthitta.

District Collector S Prem Krishna issued an order prohibiting pilgrims from entering rivers and ghats in the Pathanamthitta district till the heavy rain warning is lifted.

According to the order, low-lying areas are now more vulnerable to landslides, flooding, waterlogging, and other disasters as a result of the recent rains.

"The mountain regions and forests are particularly vulnerable to flash floods, landslides, and mudslides due to the intense rain. Residents and visitors to these areas are advised to remain extremely cautious," it added.

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Crossing rivers, taking a bath, or doing anything else in rivers or water bodies is severely forbidden under the directive, which also highlighted the potential for water to be discharged from reservoirs.

Idukki District Collector V Vigneshwari issued the order prohibiting travel over the Mukkuzhy-Sathram forest route, stating that it would be enforced until the weather improved.

The order additionally stated that the police and forest departments have been instructed to take the required actions for future action.