The permission for climbing Velliangiri Hills near Poondi in Coimbatore is set to conclude on May 31, as announced by the Forest Department.
Coimbrane: Located in the Western Ghats near Poondi, Velliangiri Hills are renowned for the Suyambulingam Temple at its seventh hill. Followers usually embark on a 5.5 km trek to reach this temple as part of their spiritual journey.
Every year from February to May, the Forest Department permits pilgrims to climb these hills. This year’s climbing season began on February 12, witnessing daily footfall of numerous devotees. Significant pilgrim influx was noted during Maha Shivratri and Chitra Pournami celebrations.
However, the Forest Department announces that this year's climbing permits will expire on the upcoming May 31, post which, trekking will be barred until next season. A Forest Department officer from Coimbatore stated, “Since February 15, over 250,000 devotees have visited the Suyambulingam Temple. Unfortunately, heavy rainfall in the Western Ghats has significantly cooled the region and damaged pathways leading to the temple peaks, particularly the fifth, sixth, and seventh hills.”
Considering the safety of the pilgrims and the current unfavorable weather conditions, the Department has decided to cease allowing further climbs starting from May 31. Additionally, a deposit of Rs. 20 was collected from each visitor to discourage the carriage of plastic items up the hill. Despite this charge, 94 percent of visitors have claimed back their deposit.
During the cleanliness drive on Velliangiri Hills, approximately 6 tons of plastic and wet cloths were collected and disposed of, highlighting the challenges of environmental conservation in the area.
Every year from February to May, the Forest Department permits pilgrims to climb these hills. This year’s climbing season began on February 12, witnessing daily footfall of numerous devotees. Significant pilgrim influx was noted during Maha Shivratri and Chitra Pournami celebrations.
However, the Forest Department announces that this year's climbing permits will expire on the upcoming May 31, post which, trekking will be barred until next season. A Forest Department officer from Coimbatore stated, “Since February 15, over 250,000 devotees have visited the Suyambulingam Temple. Unfortunately, heavy rainfall in the Western Ghats has significantly cooled the region and damaged pathways leading to the temple peaks, particularly the fifth, sixth, and seventh hills.”
Considering the safety of the pilgrims and the current unfavorable weather conditions, the Department has decided to cease allowing further climbs starting from May 31. Additionally, a deposit of Rs. 20 was collected from each visitor to discourage the carriage of plastic items up the hill. Despite this charge, 94 percent of visitors have claimed back their deposit.
During the cleanliness drive on Velliangiri Hills, approximately 6 tons of plastic and wet cloths were collected and disposed of, highlighting the challenges of environmental conservation in the area.