The Chikkamagaluru district administration has banned night trekking to the Deviramma hill during this year’s Deviramma Jatra, citing safety risks on the steep and slippery route. The restriction will apply during the festival, with devotees allowed to climb the hill only during specified daytime hours.
District Commissioner Bhanwar Singh Meena announced the decision after inspecting the hill and reviewing preparations with officials and members of the temple committee. He said the administration had taken measures to protect devotees and ensure smoother access to the shrine.
The district administration said fire and emergency response teams, the health department and the police had conducted mock rescue operations along the trekking route. New ropes have been installed at dangerous and slippery points to help pilgrims negotiate sections of the path.
Fire and rescue personnel have been provided with head torches, stretchers and harnesses to bring devotees down safely in an emergency. A medical team and an ambulance will be stationed near the top of the hill to provide immediate treatment. Police and health department personnel have also been given dedicated wireless communication equipment.
According to the administration, पूजा rituals on November 7 will begin at 6am and conclude at 10am. Devotees will be allowed to climb the hill after the rituals. Darshan will be available on November 7 and 8.
The district administration said devotees arriving after noon will be permitted to make their final entry only until 4pm. No night access will be allowed because the risk of accidents is higher in darkness, particularly along hazardous and slippery stretches of the route.
The arrangements involve the district and taluk administrations, the police, fire and emergency services, the health department and the temple committee. District Superintendent of Police Jitender Kumar Dayama, Additional Superintendent of Police C.T. Jayakumar, Chikkamagaluru Sub-Divisional Officer Pururaj Singh Solanki, tahsildars, other officials and temple committee president Kulashekar participated in the inspection and coordination process.
The administration has asked devotees and members of the public to cooperate with the access restrictions and follow the instructions issued at the site. The daytime entry schedule and emergency arrangements will remain in force during the November 7 and 8 darshan period.
