Forest Department restricts timings for devotees climbing Parvathamalai hillock in Tiruvannamalai

In Tiruvannamalai district, the Forest Department has imposed restrictions on the times when devotees can climb the Parvathamalai hillock, home to the Lord Mallikarjuna Swamy temple. The climb, which spans 4,560 feet, will now be limited to between 5:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. daily. Only those aged 18 to 60 years are permitted to ascend the slippery hill after the rains, as it is estimated to take at least four hours to reach the temple from the foothills.

A committee, including the Collector and various department heads, will decide on permit extensions based on the rain forecast. The hillock, situated 35km north of Tiruvannamalai, serves as a pathway for over 30 tribal hamlets, with the existing mud trail connecting them to nearby towns. Due to safety concerns, the Forest Department limits entry to 100 devotees per hour and bans plastic items and water bottles to minimize litter.

Special teams, comprising forest staff, firefighters, and local police, have been assembled to monitor devotee movement and ensure safety, especially in the event of forest fires.