Erumeli: Concerns of Exploitation Amid Increased Traffic During Pilgrimage Season
Erumeli: Concerns of Exploitation Amid Increased Traffic During Pilgrimage Season
As traffic continues to increase in the pilgrimage city of Erumeli, widespread complaints have emerged regarding the exploitation of pilgrims by various establishments and vendors. Areas such as parking lots, toilet complexes, sales of religious items, and hotels are reportedly rife with unethical practices. Volunteer organizations have raised concerns, alleging that even when officials and enforcement squads are alerted to these issues, they often fail to take appropriate action.
A notable incident involved pilgrims who, having traveled to Erumeli by car, were directed by staff at the designated parking grounds to pay a fee of Rs. 3,000, despite already having visited all three parking grounds operated by the Devaswom Board. A complaint was filed with the Revenue Control Room by activists of the Ayyappa Seva Samajam, but it is alleged that the responsible officials dismissed the issue, offering no resolution.
According to the contract governing parking areas operated by the Devaswom Board, receipts should be issued with an official seal. However, many receipts provided to pilgrims lack the necessary seal. Moreover, although parking fees are meant to be charged on a daily basis, an hourly rate is being applied instead, with contractors collecting fees when vehicles leave the parking lots. As there is limited time for pilgrims to dispute these charges, many are forced to pay without question.
The issue extends to private parking lots as well, where the district administration and local panchayats have refrained from standardizing rates, citing legal challenges. However, the district administration has mandated that rates in these private parking lots must be prominently displayed. Regrettably, this requirement is often ignored, and parking rates are not visible in many locations.
The situation also extends to toilet and bathroom facilities. While the Devaswom Board grounds set official charges of Rs. 5 for toilet use and Rs. 10 for bathrooms, pilgrims have reported being charged upwards of Rs. 40, especially during peak hours and at night. These inflated charges are reportedly collected by removing or obscuring the signage displaying the standard rates.
Further complaints have been raised regarding the sale of religious materials, particularly items for Pettathullal rituals. Despite the Ayyappa Seva Samajam's efforts to bring these prices to a reasonable level through a case filed in the High Court, the court ruled that vendors must display fixed prices for these materials. Unfortunately, this order has yet to be enforced, with many shops failing to display price lists. Additionally, some vendors have allegedly resorted to threatening pilgrims who raise concerns about inflated prices.
These issues reflect the growing concerns regarding exploitation in Erumeli during the pilgrimage season, with many calling for stronger enforcement of regulations and better protection for pilgrims
Exploitation and Protests in Erumeli: Concerns Over Fees and Traffic Congestion
Erumeli, a key pilgrimage destination, is facing growing concerns of exploitation amid the increased rush of pilgrims. Both pilgrims and musicians have raised complaints over the rising costs and unethical practices in the area. Musicians participating in the Pettah Thullal music festival staged a sit-in protest on Saturday at 11:30 PM in response to excessive charges imposed by contractors. Traditionally, musicians pay Rs. 50 to the contractor for participation, but with the start of the Mandala season, an additional Rs. 9 GST was also being charged. After a complaint was lodged with the Devaswom Board, the Board clarified that only Rs. 50 could be charged, leading contractors to adhere to this rate. However, the issue resurfaced when contractors demanded Rs. 60 from the musicians. In protest, festival-goers halted the festival for about half an hour, sitting on the road. The situation was only resolved after intervention from the police and the Devaswom Board, who confirmed that only the agreed-upon fee of Rs. 50 would be collected.
In addition to the issue of excessive charges, Erumeli has also been grappling with significant traffic congestion, further straining the pilgrimage experience. On a recent morning, a traffic jam spanning over two and a half kilometers occurred on Sabarimala Road, from Panapilavu to Eruthvappuzha, leaving pilgrims stuck in their vehicles for hours. This traffic disruption has become a regular challenge as the influx of pilgrims increases, adding to the growing list of concerns related to the exploitation of visitors during the pilgrimage season. Authorities are under increasing pressure to address these issues effectively, ensuring a smoother experience for pilgrims while tackling unethical practices and improving traffic management.
