Widespread Encroachments on Thiruvabharanam Path: Protection Committee Raises Alarm
State Government’s Inaction Leads to Rampant Encroachments on Sabarimala Thiruvabharana Route
Thiruvabharanam Protection Committee Demands Immediate Action
The Thiruvabharanam Samrakshana Samithi is a group that for the protection of the sacred ornaments of the Sabarimala Ayyappa temple. The samithi has raised awareness about encroachments on the procession route and has campaigned for the removal of these encroachments.
Ranni: Despite repeated warnings and legal directives, widespread encroachments have once again taken over the Sabarimala Thiruvabharana route, starting from Pandalam. The Thiruvabharana Protection Committee has strongly criticized Authorities failure to prevent illegal occupations and has submitted a formal complaint to the Pathanamthitta District Collector, demanding immediate intervention.
Years of dedicated efforts had previously led to the identification of around 450 encroachments along the route. Following the Kerala High Court’s directives, the district administration had issued notices and initiated legal proceedings against encroachers. However, the lack of strict enforcement has allowed land grabbers to return, taking advantage of administrative negligence. Unauthorized constructions are being undertaken under the guise of securing illicit approvals, posing a significant threat to the sanctity of this historic pilgrimage route.
The route, which passes through 12 villages in Kozhencherry and Ranni taluks, has seen fresh encroachments near the northern side of Vadasserikkara Prayar Maha Vishnu Temple in Ranni taluk and at Kidangannoor Junction in Kozhencherry taluk. The committee alleges that authorities have turned a blind eye to these illegal activities, allowing land mafias to exploit the situation.
Prasad Kuzhikkal, General Secretary of the Thiruvabharana Path Protection Committee, has demanded an immediate crackdown on encroachments and called for the eviction of all unauthorized structures from Pandalam onwards.
