The Special Commissioner has filed this report regarding torrential rains on 19.11.2021 and the inundation in Pampa Manalpuram, which warranted prohibition of Sabarimala Darshan on 20.11.2021.

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In the report, it is stated that in the night of 19.11.2021, there occurred torrential rain fall in Sabarimala, Pampa and catchment area of Sabarigiri Project, which caused temporary inundation in the Pampa Manalpuram, consequent to which the District Collector, Pathanamthitta, has passed an order prohibiting Sabarimala Darshan on 20.11.2021. Large number of pilgrims had to be held up at Nilakkal, Pathanamthittta and Erumely, consequent to the prohibition. However, by about 9.00 a.m on 20.11.2021 the situation eased and the District Collector, Pathanamtitta, relaxed the prohibition and permitted regulated entry of pilgrims to Sabarimala on assessment of the safety and other factors by the stake holders. The Special Commissioner interacted with the District Collector,

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S.S.C.R.No.11 of 2021

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Pathanamthitta, and also the stakeholders and it was ensured that Annadanam and food are provided to the stranded pilgrims.

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Heard the learned Standing Counsel for Travancore Devaswom Board for the 1^st respondent, the learned Senior Government Pleader for respondents 2 to 4 and also the learned Amicus Curiae for the Special Commissioner, Sabarimala.

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The learned Senior Government Pleader, on instructions, would submit that owing to unexpectedly heavy rainfall (136 mm) in Sabarimala and the catchment area of Kakki-Anathode reservoir and Pamba dam, red alert was declared on 19.11.2021. A meeting of the Rule Curve Monitoring Committee was convened by the State Disaster Management Authority, under the Chairmanship of the Additional Chief Secretary (Revenue) with participation of all stakeholders, in which it was decided to open the shutters of Pamba dam and to continue spill from Kakki. In order to ensure safety of the pilgrims, owing to red alert status of Pamba and Kakki reservoirs, Sabarimala Darshan on

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S.S.C.R.No.11 of 2021

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20.11.2021 for Virtual-Q pilgrims was cancelled. Soon after the decision, the matter was informed to various authorities, including the Special Officer, Sabarimala, District Collector, Pathanamthitta and Additional District Magistrate, Sabarimala. Although the President of Travancore Devaswom Board was attempted to be contacted on mobile phone, it was not successful. A WhatsApp message was sent to the President of Travancore Devaswom Board, apart from being widely circulated in WhatsApp groups exclusively created for Sabarimala news. Those pilgrims, who had already reached Nilakkal, were taken care of and when the situation was conducive enough, they were permitted to undertake journey to Sannidhanam.

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In the report, the Special Commissioner has pointed out the order of this Court dated 07.01.2014 in D.B.P.No.136 of 2012, wherein it was directed that, when the officers on Special Duty are contemplating any stoppage of vehicles coming to Pampa from different routes, the same shall be done with prior information, either by wireless or by telephonic information, to the Special Commissioner. The

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Special Commissioner shall take appropriate steps, from time to time, to co-ordinate various activities, to ensure avoidance of difficulties to the travelling pilgrims.

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In the report, it is suggested that the orders of stoppage of Sabarimala pilgrimage due to emergent situations, including extreme weather conditions, may be intimated immediately by the District Administration to the Executive Officer, Sabarimala and other stake holders, so that proper arrangements can be made to provide necessary help to the stranded pilgrims and other arrangements at Sabarimala, Pampa and Nilakkal.

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Having considered the submissions made by the

¶41

learned counsel on both sides, it is ordered that, when any restrictions or stoppage of Sabarimala Pilgrimage due to emergent situations, including extreme weather conditions, is taken by the State Disaster Management Authority or the District Administration, it shall be intimated immediately to the Special Commissioner, Sabarimala, and also to the Executive Officer, Sabarimala, so that, proper arrangements

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can be made by the Travancore Devaswom Board, with the

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support of the District Administration, to provide necessary help to the stranded pilgrims and make necessary arrangements at Sabarimala, Pamba and Nilakkal, by providing Annadanam and food.

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With the above direction, this SSCR is closed.

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Sd/-

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ANIL K.NARENDRAN JUDGE

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Sd/-

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P.G. AJITHKUMAR JUDGE

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Suo Motu v. Travancore Devaswom Board - Tdb

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Suo Motu v. Travancore Devaswom Board - Tdb

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