To enhance safety across the sacred Sabarimala hills, the Kerala Police have introduced an innovative mobile application. This new digital tool allows them to register and continuously monitor every worker present at key locations like Sannidhanam, Pampa, and Nilackal, ensuring heightened security year-round.
Dubbed the ‘Pampa Police Sabarimala Workers Data Register App,’ this pioneering project empowers law enforcement to instantly verify the identity of any worker using their name, Aadhaar number, or phone number. The app was ingeniously conceptualized by Pampa SHO C.K. Manoj and expertly developed by R.R. Rajesh of the Pathanamthitta Cyber Cell, marking a significant leap in regional security.
Each year, Sabarimala welcomes over 7,000 temporary workers, with approximately 2,000 traveling from other states. These individuals fill vital roles in catering, retail, sanitation, and ‘dolly’ services (carrying pilgrims). Historically, the absence of a centralized worker database complicated efforts to identify individuals with criminal records or those attempting to evade authorities by blending into the workforce.
A senior police official noted, “It was common to find individuals attempting to remain anonymous or in disguise around Sabarimala during the pilgrimage season. The traditional method of physical registers at Pampa and Sannidhanam was inefficient, rarely updated in real-time, and made thorough background checks incredibly cumbersome.”
How the Digital Initiative Works
The comprehensive digital data collection began in April 2025. Authorities circulated Google Forms to employers and contractors, while QR codes and registration links were disseminated through a dedicated ‘Pampa Police Labour Data Collection Group’ on WhatsApp. Police units stationed at KSRTC depots and forest check-posts diligently ensured that all arriving workers were registered. To date, over 5,200 workers have been successfully integrated into this robust new database.
Currently, the application is deployed on every police officer’s mobile device at Pampa. Officials emphasize that this central database is proving indispensable, particularly during high-security occasions like the recent presidential visit, where meticulous verification and accountability of every individual within the zone are paramount.
Looking ahead, the Kerala Police plan to issue photo ID cards to all verified workers, starting with the 2025-26 pilgrimage season. This forward-thinking initiative has already demonstrably curbed unauthorized entries and significantly bolstered overall security, ultimately enhancing the safety and experience for the millions of devotees who undertake the annual trek to the revered shrine.