Mon Nov 24 13:24:33 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary of the text followed by a rewritten news article based on it:
Summary:
The Hindu e-Paper, dated November 24, 2025, reports on enhanced security measures at the Sabarimala temple in Pathanamthitta, India, due to the annual pilgrimage season. Police and the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) have jointly implemented a network of approximately 450 CCTV cameras to monitor pilgrims in real-time. The aim is to manage crowds, prevent crime (including pickpocketing), and provide rapid assistance in emergencies. Verification of temporary workers is also mandatory. Due to increasing crowds, spot bookings for darshan have been limited to 5,000, while 70,000 devotees can use the virtual queue system.
News Article:
Sabarimala Pilgrimage Secured: Extensive CCTV Network Monitors Devotees
Pathanamthitta, India – November 24, 2025 – As the annual pilgrimage to the Sabarimala temple gains momentum, authorities have significantly bolstered security measures with an extensive network of CCTV cameras. The joint initiative by the Kerala Police and the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) aims to ensure the safety and well-being of the lakhs of devotees expected to visit the temple this season.
Approximately 450 high-resolution cameras are strategically positioned across the pilgrimage zone, covering key areas such as the Chalakayam-Pandithavalam stretch, Marakkoottam, Nadapandal, Sopanam, the flyover, Malikappuram, and Pandithavalam. The cameras feed live footage to dedicated control rooms jointly operated by police and TDB personnel.
“From these control rooms, every corner of Sabarimala is closely watched, day and night, without a moment’s pause,” stated an official. “If there is an emergency or a sudden rise in crowd flow, the system helps us respond instantly.”
The security enhancements are a response to the challenges posed by large crowds and the potential for crime, including pickpocketing, which historically occurs during the pilgrimage season. As part of the new protocol, mandatory verification of the over 7,000 temporary workers, including 2,000 from other states, employed in catering, shops, cleaning, and dolly services has also been implemented.
In light of the growing number of pilgrims, authorities have announced a limitation on spot bookings for darshan to 5,000 per day. However, 70,000 devotees will still be able to secure their place in the virtual queue system for darshan.
Officials hope the enhanced security measures will provide a safer and more organized pilgrimage experience for all devotees visiting Sabarimala this year.
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