THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Dhanya Sanal, 38, became the first woman to begin the trek to Agasthyakoodam on Monday after Kerala High Court lifted the ban on entry of women.
Sanal, who is the spokesperson of the Defence Ministry in Thiruvananthpauram, started the trek on Monday morning to Agasthyakoodam which is the second highest peak of Kerala. After night halt at Athirmala base camp, she will begin the trek along with other groups to the hilltop on Tuesday morning.
It may be noted that 4,000 persons have registered online for the trek including 100 women for the 47-day season which began on Monday.
"Agasthyakoodam trek was a long-time dream for me. I have trekked in various parts of the country. After the court verdict I applied for the trek and was fortunate to be part of the first group," the 2012 Indian Information Service officer told mediapersons.
On the protests of the local tribal community against entry of women, she said;''I respect the sentiments of of Kani community. Forest is their home and I don't want to enter areas which are restricted. We are sticking to the trek route and guide's instruction. Our motto is go green."
Meanwhile, a group of people under the banner of Adivasi Gothra Sabha held a peaceful protest against the entry of women.
The Kani tribals claim that it is a custom that women don't go near the temple at the hilltop where an idol of celibate Agasthya Muni is installed.
"We are not blocking women. We just want to tell authorities that you are trampling upon our customs,"Agasthyar Temple Trust president Mohan Triveni said.
Assistant wildlife warden C.K. Sudheer said the forest department had prohibited poojas in Agasthyakoodam. Temporary fencing has been done at the hilltop.
It takes three days for people to complete the 23 km trek.
