THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Shankumukham beach, one of the key venues for the annual Karkidaka Vavu Bali ritual, is unlikely to host devotees at its traditional location this year owing to the ongoing Rs 14 crore redevelopment project turning the venue unsafe for public access.
On Thursday, senior officials of the district administration, the irrigation department and the Travancore Devaswom Board conducted a joint inspection to assess the feasibility of holding the ritual at the beach. A senior official of the irrigation department said that a final decision has not been taken.
“The district collector is expected to visit Shankumukham on Saturday. A final decision will be taken only after that,” said the official. According to the irrigation department the usual entry point cannot be opened as extensive gallery construction is under way.
“The construction site has deep excavations, piles of rubble, rocks and building materials. We cannot clear the site for a day as the construction activities are ongoing in full swing. It’s risky and unsafe to allow thousands of devotees who are expected to gather for the annual ritual at the location,” said the official.
“The regular area of the beach cannot be used as construction is in progress. It is not possible to allow devotees through the worksite. If any untoward incident occurs, it will become a serious issue. Managing such a large crowd would be difficult even for the police. The sea is also rough at present,” said the official.
As an alternative, the irrigation department has proposed considering a 300-400 metre stretch of beach on the northern side of Shankumukham. “We will be able to make that area ready for the ritual. A final decision on this will be taken after the visit by the district collector,” said the official.
The redevelopment project, estimated at Rs 14 crore, was launched to restore and rejuvenate Shankumukham beach, which has been severely affected by sea erosion over the years.
The works include construction of a new gallery, beach restoration and public amenities aimed at reviving the popular destination frequented by visitors. Shankumukham and Thiruvallam are the two prominent locations in the district where thousands of devotees arrive to perform bali for their ancestors.
