Thirunavaya, August 6, 2013: Anticipating a huge turnout for the Amavasi on Tuesday, safety measures have been improved at the bathing ghats of Thirunavaya Navamukunda Temple.

The move to step up the security came in view of the heavy undercurrent in Bharatapuzha and a recent man-missing in the river.

Thousands of devotees are expected to visit the temple to offer ‘Prithutharpana’ in Bharatapuzha on the day.

Paresh, a Kalpakancheri native, had gone missing a month ago in the river while offering Bali. His body was not recovered, though the Navy and National Disaster Management Team had carried out a thorough search for him.

The Devaswam authorities have set up iron nets along the 150-metre area of the the river as a measure to keep people from slipping into the undercurrent.

“We have made elaborate measures on the banks ahead of the Amavasi. Devotees can offer Bali from the safety of an iron roof that is designed to shelter them from rain,” said V Haridas, executive officer, Thirunavaya Devaswam.

Special arrangements have also been put in place to avoid crowd congestion in the area. The Vavubhali to be led by 16 priests will start at 2.30 am on Tuesday.

Around `8 lakh has been spent on installing safety measures, which include deployment of latest rescue equipment, at bathing ghat.

Police, Fire Force, Revenue, Disaster Management and swimming experts will keep a close tab on the devotees on the day of Vavubhali. About 350 volunteers will be posted to lend helping hands to the faithful.

Besides, the officials have sent out warnings about that heavy water flow in the river to the devotees performing the ritual on the other bathing ghats. Thousands of people are expected to take a dip off the Pattambi-Thavanoor coasts without any safety measures in place.

Source: The New Indian Express, August 6, 2013