Title - Do not bathe in trains, Ayyappa devotees told

MANGALORE: Indian Railways has requested Sabarimala devotees not to use water provided in the coaches for bathing as it is meant only for general usage. Following complaints of water shortage in coaches during Sabarimala season, Venkatesan GV, PRO, Salem division, said, "The allegation of water shortage arises only during Sabarimala season. Even though there is a heavy rush of passengers during other festivals like Diwali, New Year, Pongal, which at times, is more than the Sabarimala season, the complaint of water shortage does not arise at all. Therefore, the unfounded allegation of Railways failing to make necessary arrangements to tackle the heavy rush is incorrect. Giving reasons for this situation, the PRO said: "Ayyappa devotees rise early in the morning and take bath in the coach itself. This is totally incorrect. The water provided in coaches is meant to wash hand and toilet use only. Every rail coach has four water tanks of 400 liters capacity each, which totals to 1,600 liters of water. The water is filled in Chennai Central and again refilled at Erode Junction. This level of water is more than sufficient to take care of the normal needs of the passengers. He added that even at stations, Sabarimala pilgrims tend to take bath at the waiting rooms in mass and empty the water supplies. He said, "It has been observed that a few of the Ayyappa devotees have been seen lighting camphors inside the train compartments for performing their early morning prayers, which is dangerous." Venkatesan, on behalf of divisional railway manager, Salem Division, said while railways respects religious sentiments, the devotees should also not cause inconvenience to other passengers.