Devotees to be allowed to climb Velliangiri hill from today

The Forest Department has announced that devotees will be allowed to trek Velliangiri Hill in Coimbatore starting today. The district administration has issued strict guidelines to ensure the safety of devotees during the pilgrimage.
Every year, thousands of devotees from across Tamil Nadu and neighboring states visit the Velliangiri Lord Shiva Temple at the foothills of the Poondi area in Coimbatore district. The pilgrimage involves trekking up to the seventh hill of Velliangiri to worship Swayambhunath, which is allowed from February to May.
To ensure a safe trekking experience, the administration has issued specific guidelines. Devotees are advised to avoid trekking alone and instead travel in groups. Those aged above 60 years, as well as individuals with high blood pressure, heart disease, lung disease, kidney issues, or diabetes, have been urged to exercise caution.
Additionally, trekkers are required to carry essential items such as drinking water, food, and necessary medicines. Due to the cold weather conditions in the trekking area, appropriate protective clothing is recommended. Devotees must undergo a medical examination at the base camp before beginning their trek.
During the trek, devotees experiencing headache, chest pain, dizziness, or shortness of breath have been advised to seek immediate medical assistance from the on-site medical teams. In previous years, several devotees have lost their lives due to physical exhaustion and medical conditions.
To prevent such incidents, the district administration has directed the Forest Department and local officials to strictly enforce safety measures. Necessary arrangements for medical camps and emergency services have been put in place to ensure a safe pilgrimage for all devotees.