The Thiruvananthapuram City Corporation has instructed departments to hasten completion of infrastructure and public-service works ahead of the Attukal Pongala festival, scheduled for 3 March. Officials said the push aims to ensure safe movement, adequate water supply and health arrangements for the large number of participants who attend the annual ritual.
Attukal Pongala preparations and infrastructure works
The decision followed a review meeting chaired by Mayor V.V. Rajesh at the Corporation conference hall on Thursday. Heads of government departments and Corporation councillors were present to assess the readiness of essential services and agree a timetable for completing outstanding work.
Discussions focused on a range of tasks critical to event-day operations. Road tarring and repair work was singled out for immediate attention to improve access and pedestrian safety along key routes. Officials also reviewed drinking water arrangements to avoid shortages during the festival and examined the sewerage systems to prevent blockages and overflow when crowds gather.
Vehicle parking and traffic management were addressed with the intention of designating adequate parking zones and coordinating diversion plans. Health-sector preparations included deployment of medical teams and first-aid posts, while sanitation measures were planned in coordination with relevant departments to maintain hygiene standards at congregation points.
Law-and-order arrangements were discussed in the presence of Deepak Dhankher, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Law and Order), who highlighted the need for seamless coordination between civic and police teams. The meeting underlined that safety and crowd control would be prioritised alongside the completion of infrastructure works.
Mayor Rajesh asked departments to prepare detailed estimates for the outstanding works and to adopt an expedited schedule so that all tasks are finished without delay. The Corporation Secretary, Jahamgir S., and Deputy Mayor Asha Nath G.S. joined trust representatives and police officials to finalise operational responsibilities and timelines.
Attukal Temple Trust president V. Sobha attended the meeting to represent the temple administration and to align temple plans with the civic agencies’ preparations. Participants agreed on regular progress reviews in the weeks leading up to the festival to ensure that any emerging issues are addressed promptly.
Officials stressed that the coordinated approach aims to minimise inconvenience for residents and visitors while safeguarding devotees. Advance road repairs and clear signage will help maintain traffic flow, while pre-positioned water supplies and additional sanitation facilities will reduce the risk of shortages and health hazards.
The Corporation will monitor contractors and service providers closely to ensure deadlines are met. Public communication channels are to be used to inform citizens about parking arrangements, traffic diversions and safety advisories as the event nears.
With the March 3 date fixed, authorities are working against the clock to complete the agreed works. The Corporation indicated that any delays will be escalated for immediate resolution to ensure the festival proceeds in a safe and organised manner.
Key Takeaways:
- City Corporation has decided to expedite Attukal Pongala preparations, focusing on roads, water and sanitation.
- Officials will prepare cost estimates and complete works before the March 3 festival.
- Health, parking and law-and-order arrangements will be coordinated across departments.
- Senior civic and police officials, including the Mayor and Deputy Commissioner of Police, attended the meeting.
