Thiruvananthapuram, TDB president K Jayakumar on Monday said there were concerns over a possible shortage of ghee at Sabarimala and steps were being taken to procure additional stocks.
“There was no Appam for nearly two hours in the morning. There were also complaints about the non-availability of water at some places. “We have to procure ghee somehow.
He said the problems occurred during a transition period when the previous year’s contracts had expired on October 31, and new contracts were not yet in effect as of November 15. He said the board meeting discussed steps to procure additional ghee to meet the requirements until fresh supplies became available from November 17, when devotees start arriving as part of the Sabarimala season and making ghee as offerings.
Speaking to reporters after a Travancore Devaswom Board board meeting ahead of the Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple pilgrimage season, he said there were no concerns about the availability of Aravana and Appam. These shortcomings have been brought to our attention, and the board has made certain arrangements to ensure better preparedness,” he said. Jayakumar said the board was not concerned about Aravana and Appam production but had concerns about the availability of ghee, as the existing stock was gradually declining. But we will proceed only after obtaining legal advice and examining the related issues,” he said.
