SABARIMALA: Widespread complaints were raised against the dolly operators who levy exorbitant rates from the pilgrims to carry them from Pampa to Sannidhanam and back.“Majority of the dolly operators charge two to three times higher than the rates fixed by the Devaswom authorities,” pilgrims said.Though the official rate for hiring a dolly for to and fro journey is Rs 1,900, the operators used to charge Rs 4,000 to Rs 6,000.The most intriguing part of the situation is that there is hardly any control over the dolly operators. Of an aggregate number of about 2,000 dollys, majority of the operators used to charge exorbitant rates. When the pilgrims refuse to pay the amount, they misbehave and use abusive words.Muthuswami, a 78-year-old pilgrim from Thanjavur, said that he underwent severe hardships from the dolly operators after paying an amount of Rs 4,000, more than two times the rate, for refusing extra money for their refreshment at Marakoottam.The other part of the situation is that the dolly operators used to misbehave with the pilgrims, who refuse to give way for them, on the trekking path.The Devaswom authorities should immediately take action against the dolly operators who charge higher rates. They should not be allowed on duty. Also, they should restrict the dolly traffic between 11 a m to 2 pm during the day and 9 p m to 12 midnight.
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