Devotees banned from climbing Velliangiri hills - Forest Department

Coimbatore: The forest department has announced a ban on devotees from climbing the Velliangiri hills from today.

Poondi Velliangiri Andavar Temple is situated at the foothills of the Western Ghats near Coimbatore. From there, there is a Swayambulingam on the 7th hill beyond 6 hills. It is also known as South Kayilayam by the devotees.

The densely forested Velliangiri hills often experience climate change during the rainy season. Hence, devotees will be allowed to climb the hill only during the months of March, April and May. Accordingly, the permission was granted this year.

As the month of May has ended, devotees have been barred from climbing velliangiri hill.



Due to this, the gate at the place where one starts climbing the hill from the temple has been closed. The forest department is keeping a close watch on the area.

Surveillance cameras have also been installed there. It is also reported that top officials of the forest department are monitoring the footage recorded in it. The forest department has also put up warning boards at various places to prevent devotees from trekking the hill in defiance of the ban.

According to forest department officials, more than 10 lakh devotees had climbed the Velliangiri hill in March, April and May. At present, trekking is banned. Work is underway to remove the objects thrown by the devotees on the hill.

With the onset of the southwest monsoon, the weather conditions in velliangiri hills will change completely. Suddenly there will be rain and a cyclonic wind. The movement of wildlife will also be high. There will be not enough security if the devotees go during that time. That is why devotees are not allowed to climb the hill.

Despite that, no devotees should go up the hill. A committee has been set up to monitor it. Strict action will be taken under the Forest Conservation Act against the devotees violating the ban. This is what they said.