SABARIMALA: The production capacity of the aravana plant will be doubled to two lakh containers from the existing one lakh containers within a week. The capacity expansion of the aravana plant is needed in view of the decline in the buffer stock of aravana containers to 16 lakh from 20 lakh containers on the opening day of the temple.
The unprecedented flow of pilgrims - 1.50 lakh to two lakh a day - during the first week of the season and the aravana they bought resulted in the substantial fall in the buffer stock.
Excise raid
In the raids conducted in the forest areas near Sannidhanam, the excise team confiscated cigarettes and other tobacco items worth Rs 15,000. The tobacco products, concealed in plastic containers and buried in the earth, were unearthed by an excise team led by excise CI Radhakrishna Pillai.
Medical aid-post for Sabarimala pilgrims
Kochi : Kalady grama panchayat president Baby Paulose inaugurated the medical aid-post for Sabarimala pilgrims at Kalady the other day. The aid-post was set up with the help of Little Flower Hospital at Angamaly and Malayattoor Valley Lions Club as per the decision of the Health Department to roll out medical help desks at various parts of the district.