Coordination of Government Departments helped in making Makara Vilakku a success

Despite the unexpected rush, this year's Makara Vilakku went well and the credit of its success goes to the seamless coordination of various government departments. The police department has been cautious in preparing security arrangements. The police system was designed to regulate the lakhs of pilgrims and ensure their safe return.

 IG S Sreejith camped at Sannidhanam a few days before the Makara Vilakku leading from the front. Along with the police, the RAF Deputy Commandant G Dinesh and the Disaster Response Force Deputy Commandant G Vijayan also took part in the security operations. The pilgrims were ushered into the northern nada and the Bhandara nada (treasury) by raising the barricade in busy areas. Around 1550 police personnel were deployed at Sannidhanam, 2000 at Pampa and 1285 at Pullumedu. The services of the forest department and fire brigade were also outstanding.

The KSEB operated during the Makara Vilakku without any interruptions. It was also a relief that the Water Authority has continuously supplied drinking water without any delay. The success of the Department of Motor Vehicles' Safe Zone helped the roads devoid of any accidents. There was not even a single fatal accident this year. Safe Zone workers were on the scene and provided emergency assistance in the event of an accident or damage to the pilgrims' vehicles. KSRTC too has made its contribution by making as many services available for the devotees during the Makara Vilakku time. 950 buses from Pampa KSRTC depot alone operated, 250 buses at Plappally, 500 KSRTC buses at Erumeli, Pathanamthitta, Chengannur and Kottayam. Devotees have been relieved by the emergency medical centers set up by the Health Department from Pampa to Sannidhanam. A police officer who sustained a heart attack on the day of Makara Vilakku was saved by the emergency medical center.