Overview
- Authorities set a 1 lakh daily entry limit and capped spot bookings at 20,000 after nearly two lakh devotees arrived within 48 hours of the season’s opening.
- Police will regulate movement from Nilakkal to Pamba by hourly footfall, with seven new spot-booking counters at Nilakkal and fully readied queue complexes offering water and light refreshments.
- The TDB and police deployed extra staff, including 200 sanitation workers from Tamil Nadu, and reported some easing as central and NDRF teams reached the area.
- The Kerala High Court criticised poor preparation, questioned capacity planning and virtual-queue management, and ordered detailed replies from the state and TDB by Friday.
- A 58-year-old woman died after collapsing in a queue and a bus overturning near Erumely caused minor injuries, underscoring safety and health concerns during the surge.