TDB to tighten checks on parking fees, essential prices in Keralam’s Erumely

Image for representation.

The Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) will step up inspections at Erumely in Kottayam to curb the overcharging of Sabarimala pilgrims for parking, restroom facilities and essential commodities during the upcoming Mandala-Makaravilakku season.

A meeting convened by TDB president K. Jayakumar at Erumely on Monday decided to strengthen inspections by special squads and explore involving the Motor Vehicles department (MVD) in monitoring parking grounds and regulating fees charged by contractors. The board will also intensify waste management and increase the capacity for spot booking for Sabarimala darshan from Erumely, Mr. Jayakumar said.

The move follows widespread complaints about parking fees in the temple town. The board has revised its auction conditions following a Kerala High Court directive to standardise fees at Devaswom board-owned and privately operated parking facilities, Mr. Jayakumar said.