IdukkiKumily panchayat earmarks estate land for pilgrim parking, facilities

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Kumily town, one of the major stopovers for Sabarimala pilgrims. | Photo Credit: FILE PHOTO

To ensure smooth parking in Kumily town, one of the main stopovers for Sabarimala pilgrims from various States, the Kumily panchayat in Idukki has allocated 30 cents of land from a private tea plantation estate near Chelimada, along the Kottarakara- Dindigal National Highway. According to the officials, the panchayat has reclaimed the road poramboke land, which was allegedly under the illegal possession of the plantation company, to arrange parking and other facilities for pilgrims.

Kumily panchayat president M.M. Varghese said the land would be used for parking and resting facilities. “The panchayat will set up temporary toilets and a snack bar to ensure food for pilgrims. In addition, we are arranging two more stay facilities near the Kumily bus stand,” he said.

Mr. Varghese noted that the panchayat has already arranged parking at the Kallarackal ground. “We are trying to arrange more parking facilities in the town. Roadside parking will not be permitted during the season, and temporary shops will not be allowed in front of licensed shops,” he added.

Panchayat officials said they are identifying additional spaces in the town to arrange parking and other amenities for the devotees.

Kumily is a major stopover for Sabarimala pilgrims from Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Puducherry, and Telangana. Traditionally, pilgrims returning after darshan at the Sabarimala temple stop in Kumily to buy banana chips and spices from the town’s spice hub.

Every season, the heavy rush of pilgrims leads to widespread roadside parking and hours-long traffic congestion. Officials said they are working to prevent such bottlenecks this year.

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