THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Now, Sabarimala remains the sole peak left to conquer. Lifting a ban in force for decades, the forest department has decided to allow women to take part in the annual 26-km steep trek up dense forests and slippery boulders to Agasthyakoodam, one of the highest peaks in the state, from the next season. The decision was taken at a meet convened by forest minister K. Raju. Women’s groups and Kani representatives were present when the decision to lift the ban on women was taken on on Tuesday.
The minister, however, has not given women any assurances on safety. “We have agreed to include women in the trek, but have told them that it has to be undertaken at their own risk,” Mr Raju told DC. “No additional facilities will be created for women,” the minister said. The women’s representatives who took part in the discussions, too, did not press for any extra amenities. “We told the minister that the facilities granted for men would suffice,” said Ms M Sulfath, one of the women representatives. The women leaders, however, told the minister that the Forest Department was responsible for the security of the womenfolk who took the trek.
The existing ban on women in Agasthyamala is seasonal, applicable only for a 51-day trekking period from January 15 (Makarasankranthi) to March 7 (Shivarathri). And the longstanding ban, like in the case of Sabarimala, has been imposed both in the name of tradition and women safety. During this period Kani tribals conduct pujas at Agasthyakoodam for their presiding deity Agasthya Muni, who like Lord Ayyappa is a celibate.
The objections of tribal representatives were overruled. They were told that it was the Forest Department, and not tribals, who regulate entry into the forest. Nonetheless, the minister said that the rights of Kanis would be protected. “Perhaps, women will be asked to keep away from the place where Kanis conduct pujas. I have asked officials to ensure that Kani rights are not trampled upon,” Mr Raju said. The women’s groups were willing to respect Kani traditions.
