Hyderabad, January 17: Expressing deep sorrow and pain at the death of 102 pilgrims in Sabarimala, senior Congress leader and Rajya Sabha member V Hanumantha Rao on Sunday requested Kerala chief minister Achyutanandan to bestow his attention in improving the infrastructure facilities during the heavy rush of devotees particularly during Sankranti days.
Around 100 pilgrims had died and scores of others were injured on Friday night in a stampede at Pulimedu, a traditional forest route that connects Vandiperiyar in Idukki district to the Sannidhanam. The stampede was caused by a freak accident at Pulimedu.
In a letter addressed to Achyutanandan, Hanumantha Rao conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families of victims of the horrific tragedy and appreciated the Kerala government for its spontaneous response in ordering for a judicial probe into the incident.
He suggested to the chief minister to take appropriate action in providing sufficient infrastructure facilities to avoid such incidents in future.
Vehicles like jeeps and autorikshaws plying without permission or a control pass through the forested route which is part of the Periyar reserve as observed by certain news agencies, proved fatal.
Lack of basic amenities like lighting, water supply and camping facilities coupled with insufficient police deployment also contributed to the stampede, he felt.
-Agencies