All arrangements in place for Pooram, says Minister Vasavan

Thrissur Corporation takes out a proclamation rally, ‘Our Pooram,’ on Saturday, featuring a fibre elephant, announcing the Thrissur Pooram.
| Photo Credit: K.K. NAJEEB

As the countdown to the Thrissur Pooram begins, Minister for Devaswom V.N. Vasavan announced that all preparations have been completed by the government, district administration, Thrissur Corporation, and Devaswoms to ensure a smooth conduct of the festival.

The Minister was addressing the media following a review meeting held at Ramanilayam, attended by Revenue Minister K. Rajan, Higher Education and Social Justice Minister R. Bindu, Union Minister of State for Petroleum, Natural Gas and Tourism Suresh Gopi, Mayor M.K. Varghese, district panchayat president V.S. Prince, District Collector Arjun Pandiyan, City Police Commissioner R. Ilango, ADM Murali T., and Sub-Collector Akhil V. Menon.

A force of around 4,000 police personnel, including women officers, will be deployed for maintaining law and order. The Excise and Police departments are conducting joint operations to prevent the sale and use of narcotics during the festival days.

NH underpass works

The KSRTC has been directed to arrange additional transportation, and discussions are under way with private bus operators. The Railways have been requested to ensure scheduled stops for all trains passing through Thrissur on May 6. Work on the Angamaly-Thrissur NH underpass will be paused on the Pooram day, following talks with the NHAI, the Minister said.

Safety checks have been completed on all Corporation buildings, and dangerous overhanging tree branches have been removed. In collaboration with the Suchitwa Mission, post-Pooram sanitation plans are in place. City roads under the Corporation have been repaired, and arrangements made to ensure uninterrupted drinking water supply.

The Food Safety department and Legal Metrology have jointly formed squads to conduct field inspections. A dedicated elephant care team, along with veterinary doctors, is ready to manage the health and safety of elephants participating in the festivities.

The Minister also emphasised that no communal, political, or provocative symbols, slogans, or flags should be used as part of the festival. Fire and Rescue Services personnel, including female officers, will be deployed. The DMO-led medical team, with ambulances, is also fully prepared. Only ambulances marked with an official DMO sticker will be allowed entry into the Pooram grounds.

Crowd control

Minister K. Rajan added that all safety measures will be enforced for the fireworks display. Crowd control for the fireworks will be implemented only after the main Pooram events conclude at night. Considering the ongoing heatwave, shaded structures and emergency medical setups, including ambulances, will be made available.

To enhance the experience for tourists, viewing galleries have been arranged this year as well. On May 6, visitors who register by 12 noon at the DTPC office with valid ID (such as passport) will be given special access to view the Kudamattam ceremony.