State Police Chief Sheikh Darvesh Sahib visited Sabarimala on Saturday to assess the preparedness for the upcoming Makaravilakku festival, which will take place on January 15. To ensure smooth proceedings, 5,000 police personnel have been deployed. Of these, 1,800 are positioned at Sannidhanam, 800 at Pampa, 700 at Nilakkal, 1,050 at Idukki, and 650 at Kottayam.

The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and Rapid Action Force (RAF) will provide additional security, an official statement read. Comprehensive arrangements have been made so devotees can view the Makara Jyothi and descend the hill seamlessly.

The police have implemented a special deployment plan for the Thiruvabharanam procession. Key officers include an SP, 12 DySPs, and 31 Circle Inspectors, supported by 1,440 personnel. Security measures have been strengthened at all critical locations, with coordination between the police, fire and rescue services, and NDRF. A high-level meeting involving all departments is scheduled for Sunday to finalise preparations.

The operations will be overseen by senior officers, who will be stationed at strategic points: ADGP S Sreejith at Sannidhanam, South Zone IG Syam Sundar at Pampa, DIG Ajeetha Begum at Nilakkal, and DIG Satheesh Bino in charge of the Erumeli-Idukki region.

An exit plan has been prepared to manage the post-festival crowds. This will be implemented if necessary to ensure devotees can descend safely and efficiently, according to the State Police Chief.