Kerala High Court orders Sabarimala shrine to upgrade fire safety systems

The Kerala High Court has issued directions to the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) to rectify existing deficiencies in fire safety infrastructure at the Sabarimala shrine, one of India's most visited religious sites.

The court mandated the installation of fire safety systems aligned with the National Building Code across the Sannidhanam area. These requirements include establishing a fully operational hydrant network with adequate water pressure, automatic sprinkler systems, and fire detection and alarm mechanisms.

The directive specifies that these safety measures must be implemented in all critical buildings and locations within the temple complex. The order underscores the importance of ensuring adequate fire protection infrastructure at the high-traffic pilgrimage site, which welcomes millions of devotees annually, particularly during the peak season.

The TDB, which manages the temple, is now required to comply with these safety upgrades to meet the standards outlined in the National Building Code. The court's intervention reflects growing judicial oversight of safety protocols at major religious and public gathering spaces across India.

The implementation of these measures is expected to significantly enhance fire safety preparedness at the shrine and protect the large congregations that frequent the temple throughout the year.