TDB under fire as Sabarimala pilgrimage readiness faces delays

PATHANAMTHITTA The delay in key preparatory works ahead of the annual Sabarimala pilgrimage season has drawn sharp criticism from Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) employees, who have held the leadership responsible for the lapses. the Travancore Devaswom Employees Front, a Congress-backed employees’ union, has now come up flagging delays in completing essential infrastructure works and warned that inadequate preparations could disrupt the pilgrimage season. “The Chief Minister had directed that the roads leading to the parking grounds be tarred and made motorable during his visit to Nilakkal.

However, several stretches remain muddy even now. Essential repair works have also not been completed on time. The new construction work at the aravana plant, which was scheduled for completion during the previous monthly pooja, remains unfinished,” the union said in a statement.

Ghee shortage More worrying is the dwindling stock of ghee required for aravana production, even as the tender process for procuring additional supplies from outside remains incomplete.