Government departments and agencies have been directed to complete the arrangements for this year’s Attukal Pongala by the beginning of March. The decision was taken at a review meeting convened by Minister for Cooperation and Devaswoms V.N. Vasavan. This year’s Attukal Pongala is scheduled to be held on March 13.

Repairs on roads, drains and streetlights in the festival zone will be completed well before this year’s festival, it was decided at the meeting. Arrangements have also been made for providing mobile toilets and water tanks.

The City Police will deploy additional personnel on Pongala day for maintaining law and order and controlling traffic. The police will install additional surveillance cameras and open control rooms. The Fire and Rescue Services will deploy 63 vehicles and over 400 personnel.

The Health department will deploy medical teams and ambulances. The Kerala State Road Transport Corporation will operate special services on the day.

Food Safety officials have been instructed to ensure the safety of food items distributed during the festival days. The Food Safety Department will deploy mobile testing labs and carry out inspections. Those who wish to offer ‘Annadanam’ would need to register in advance.

It will be a ‘dry day’ in the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation limits and the Vellar ward of Venganoor grama panchayat during the 24 hours starting from 6 p.m. the day before the Pongala. Mr. Vasavan has directed the Excise department to step up its surveillance.

District Collector Anu Kumari said that green protocol will be observed during the festival. Sub Collector Alfred O.V., City Police Commissioner Thomson Jose, Attukal Ward Councillor R. Unnikrishnan and Attukal Temple Trust officials were present.