Why Are Climbing Restrictions Imposed on Arunachala Hills During Chitra Pournami?
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Synopsis
As the <b>Chitra Pournami</b> festival approaches, authorities in Tiruvannamalai have enforced climbing restrictions on Arunachala Hills to ensure safety and protect the forest. With millions of devotees expected, these measures aim to prevent incidents and preserve wildlife, making for a responsible celebration.
Key Takeaways
- Climbing restrictions are enforced to ensure safety during Chitra Pournami.
- Authorities expect a massive influx of 25 to 30 lakh devotees.
- Security measures include 5,197 police personnel and emergency services.
- Access to high-risk zones and the Girivalam path is restricted.
- Devotees are encouraged to cooperate with officials for a safe celebration.
Chennai, May 11 (NationPress) Authorities have implemented strict measures to prohibit climbing the Arunachala Hills in Tiruvannamalai. This decision aims to avert any unwanted incidents and protect the surrounding forest ecosystem as a significant number of devotees gather in the temple city for the 'Chitra Pournami' or 'Chaitra Purnima' festival.
With an anticipated influx of 25 to 30 lakh devotees over the two-day celebrations starting this Sunday, the Tamil Nadu Forest Department has enforced a ban on public access to the hills, especially at seven locations identified as high-risk zones.
District Forest Officer (DFO) Yogesh Kumar Darg confirmed, “The ban will be strictly enforced. Forest teams have been deployed to prevent trespassing.”
Officials have also noted that entry to the 14-km Girivalam path surrounding the Arunachala Hills will be restricted, as this initiative aims to safeguard the reserve forest and its wildlife, which includes over 5,000 spotted deer.
Moreover, this action is expected to mitigate the risk of accidental forest fires amid the large gathering of devotees. Presently, the Arunachala Hills are divided into two segments: the western section, which spans 699 hectares, is classified as a reserve forest, while the eastern part, covering 2.99 hectares, falls under the Tamil Nadu Forest Act, 1882 as reserve land.
This latter area is primarily allocated for tree plantation efforts by the Revenue Department. Both District Collector K. Tharpagaraj and Superintendent of Police M. Sudhakar have reviewed the arrangements to facilitate the smooth running of the festival.
To handle the substantial influx of pilgrims, 20 temporary bus termini have been set up on the outskirts of Tiruvannamalai, with 4,533 buses scheduled to operate. Additionally, 165 shuttle services will connect these termini with the town.
A traffic advisory has been issued for local residents, allowing vehicles with special police passes to enter the town until 5 p.m. on Sunday. Regular traffic will resume at 6 a.m. on May 13.
For public safety, the administration has activated emergency helpline numbers - 9363622330, 9159616263, and 9498100431. The health and security plan includes two field-level hospitals, 56 medical teams, 50 ambulances (including 15 bike ambulances), and the deployment of 5,197 police personnel.
The authorities have encouraged devotees to cooperate with officials and adhere to safety guidelines to ensure a peaceful and environmentally responsible celebration.
Point of View
We recognize the importance of balancing cultural festivities with environmental protection. The decision to enforce climbing restrictions on Arunachala Hills during Chitra Pournami reflects a commitment to safety and ecological preservation, ensuring that both devotees and the environment can coexist peacefully during this significant event.
NationPress
09/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Chitra Pournami festival?
The Chitra Pournami festival, also known as Chaitra Purnima, is a significant religious event celebrated in Tiruvannamalai, attracting millions of devotees for spiritual observances.
Why have climbing restrictions been imposed?
Climbing restrictions are in place to ensure the safety of visitors and protect the surrounding forest from potential damage and accidents during the festival.
How many devotees are expected during the festival?
Authorities estimate that between 25 to 30 lakh devotees will visit Tiruvannamalai for the two-day Chitra Pournami festivities.
What security measures are in place for the festival?
Security measures include the deployment of 5,197 police personnel, emergency helplines, medical teams, and traffic advisories to manage the influx of pilgrims.
How can devotees stay safe during the celebrations?
Devotees are urged to follow safety instructions from officials, cooperate with security personnel, and utilize emergency services if needed.
