Keralam MLA pushes for night access to Sabarimala trek path, sparks controversy

With the Sabarimala season just over a month away, a row has erupted over the traditional Erumely-Pampa forest route, with Poonjar MLA M.J. Sebastian seeking round-the-clock access to the 30.7-km stretch.

According to Mr. Sebastian, allowing pilgrims to use the route round the clock during the Mandala-Makaravilakku season would ease congestion and make the trek more convenient. The Forest department, however, maintains that the existing restrictions are necessary as large sections of the route pass through forest areas frequented by wild animals.

The traditional trek route to the hill temple begins at Koyikkakavu near Erumely. The stretch from Koyikkakavu temple to Kalaketty falls under the Kottayam forest division, while the remaining portion comes under the Periyar Tiger Reserve (West). Pilgrim movement is regulated at forest check posts along the route to ensure that they do not remain inside the forest beyond the designated hours.

Restrictions in place

At present, pilgrims reaching Koyikkakavu are allowed to enter the forest in batches between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. Further restrictions apply along the route, with entry stopped at Azhuthakadav at 2.30 p.m. and Mukkuzhi at 3.30 p.m. The staggered timings are intended to ensure that pilgrims clear the forest stretch before the designated closing hours.

“There are no reasons to retain the restrictions if pilgrims could be allowed to use the route safely throughout the day. If there is no court directive against it, pilgrims should be allowed to trek round the clock,” the legislator said, adding that he had already held discussions with Forest Minister Shibu Baby John and that there was no administrative hurdle to implementing the proposal.

Risk factors

Forest officials, however, said extending access beyond the existing timings would expose pilgrims to the risks associated with moving through the core forest after dark.

“Around 18 km of the trek path from Azhuthakadav to Pampa passes through the core area of the forest. This is a free-moving area for wild animals and they use this path at night. Allowing pilgrims to pass through at night will put their safety in danger,” pointed out a senior official with the Forest department.

According to him, the restrictions are aimed at minimising encounters between pilgrims and wildlife. He also pointed out that the pilgrimage season follows the monsoon, when water sources inside the forest tend to dry up as the season progresses. This prompts wild animals to move towards the Pampa river in search of water, bringing them closer to the trekking route.

The department has also flagged the presence of nocturnal wildlife, including venomous snakes, along the route.

Officials further cautioned that unrestricted human movement could interfere with the natural movement of wildlife. If animals are unable to use their usual routes to reach water and food sources, they could be pushed towards human settlements.