Strict guidelines for Asramam Sri Krishna Swamy temple festival

The Kollam district administration has issued a comprehensive set of directives to ensure the orderly conduct of the annual festival at the Asramam Sri Krishna Swamy Temple (from April 7 to 16) that concludes with the Kollam Pooram. Central to these directives is the strict adherence to captive elephant management rules, with the Collector ordering the deployment of a special mobile squad to monitor the animals throughout the festivities.

The Animal Husbandry department will verify the fitness certificates of the elephants brought for the parade. To mitigate risks, the administration has prohibited the use of percussion instruments, crackers, drones, and laser lights in the immediate vicinity of the elephants. Additionally, the festival organisers must secure a public liability insurance policy of Rs 3 crore rupees, and emergency measures, including tranquilising equipment to handle any unforeseen incidents.

To support the large influx of devotees, the district administration has coordinated with utility providers to maintain essential services and public order. The Kerala State Electricity Board has been directed to provide uninterrupted power supply, while the Corporation will manage clean drinking water distribution. Furthermore, the Excise department will enforce a temporary liquor ban in the festival zone, and the Food Safety department will deploy three specialised squads to inspect local eateries. Enhanced crowd control measures by the police, along with the presence of Fire and Rescue Services and 24-hour ambulance support, are also being implemented to ensure public safety.