The district administration in Koppal seeks to reduce the hours people can come to visit Anjanadri Hill, a major pilgrimage site, as it has faced heat and health issues. Part of some kind of protection to protect the devotees from the now prolonged scorching sun. As for entry time to this hill, officials say that this is being limited, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The period is deemed most dangerous. The new rules today permit devotees to visit this temple only between 6.00 AM and 11.00 AM, then again between 4:00 PM and 6.00 PM. The altered timeline seeks to minimise the risk of heat illnesses. Anjanadri Hill is the site of the famous Sri Anjaneya Swamy Temple in Gangavathi taluk, near Chikkarampura village.
It attracts thousands to visit the temple from Karnataka and the neighbouring states, especially on weekends. Pilgrims have climbed a steep hillway, a task that has only become harder due to the fierce heat, with over 575 steps. The administration acted after two tragic deaths in the past few months.
In March, a devotee of Gujarat allegedly had chest pain during step through the stairs and died. On April 1, a devotee from Davanagere collapsed after having prayed through the temple and died. Those events could amplify the risk of extreme weather events. The order had also been reviewed by the District Commissioner Dr Suresh B Itnal, who stated that public safety is the priority.
A number of dehydration, shortness of breath and exhaustion from long-term exposure to the high temperatures, officials said. Physicians had warned that the high levels of footfall under high sun conditions, which are often the hot ones, in the majority of the afternoon, could result in many serious health problems, especially for elderly adherents and people with existing conditions. The administration thus has been trying to prevent further incidents.
Most of the devotees have backed the decision for safety when the weather is hot. But also called on authorities to send medical personnel up to the hilltop and provide emergency medical facilities to assist visitors, if necessary. Officials have warned pilgrims to watch, drink water, check out daytime heat hours and visit on time.
Awareness-building campaigns will also be undertaken by public awareness to ensure conformity to the new rules. The restrictions are likely to remain in place until the heatwave cools. These temporary measures show that human safety must trump convenience even in severe weather, such as that in this case. As mentioned, this is simply a moral, ethical precaution carried out by the administration at a district level to protect the residents coming to the site, as they consider it the most important religious space in Karnataka and the safety of those visiting.
