TIRUVANANTHAPURAM, INDIA, August 5, 2007: A record 50 million people are expected to visit the Sabarimala temple during the three-month pilgrimage season starting in mid-November, Kerala’s Devaswom Minister G. Sudhakaran said. Addressing a meeting of heads of departments to discuss arrangements for the pilgrimage Sudhakaran said detailed plans should be worked out well in advance for its smooth conduct.
Last year, the hill shrine generated revenues of nearly US$25 million, marking an increase of US$5 million over the revenues of the previous year. The state government will sanction US$6.2 million for the maintenance of roads leading to Sabarimala. Equipment worth US$250,000 will be purchased to step up security in the area. Medical facilities will be enhanced and plastic bags will be banned in and around the temple located in the ecologically sensitive Western Ghats.