Safe zone plan initiated for sabari pilgrims

KOLLAM: Sabarimala pilgrims can have a sigh of relief while driving towards their destination, thanks to the Safe Zone project initiated by the Motor Vehicles Department here.

The pilgrims will see blinkers set up at accident prone areas and sign boards in Malayalam, English, Tamil, Kannada, Telugu, and Hindi, along with destination boards with reflective stickers on both the sides.

Surveillance cameras will also be installed so that the authorities can have an eye on the roads from Elavunkal, the control room.

The Safe Zone covers over 300 km spanning the area from Erumeli – Pamba, Pathanamthitta – Pamba, and Kottayam – Kumili roads.

Eco guards appointed by the Forest Department will keep the forest path to Sabarimala plastic and litter-free. As many as 76 volunteers selected from various forest development and eco development committees and local residents will serve as eco guards.

The volunteers will make the pilgrims aware of the necessity of conserving Nature. They will also hold placards displaying such messages in various languages. They will also be responsible for cleaning up the premises and ensuring that pilgrims follow strict instructions from the department.