The Idukki district administration has completed all plans for the Makaravilakku festival, said District Collector Dinesan Cheruvat. “Elaborate arrangements have been put in place for traffic management, emergency response, sanitation, healthcare services, and the supply of drinking water, with the coordinated support of multiple departments,” he added. About 1,500 police officers have been deployed across the district to protect pilgrims. Pilgrims can see the Makarajyothi only from Panchalimedu, Parunthumpara, and Pullumedu viewpoints. Trekking from Pullumedu to Sannidhanam or Sathram is banned after the Makarajyothi darshan. To avoid traffic jams, extra police will manage main junctions on Kumily and Cumbum Mettu routes. Two police aid posts stand on Pullumedu and Kozhikkanam roads for added safety. Bright ‘Aksa’ lights light up key roads to Pullumedu. An elephant squad patrols Pullumedu–Kozhikkanam to watch wild animals. Kerala State Road Transport Corporation will run special buses on Kumily–Kozhikkanam from 6:00 a.m. on festival day. A special medical team is ready at Pullumedu for emergencies. With many pilgrims arriving, schools in Kumily, Vandiperiyar, Peerumade, Peruvanthanam, and Kokkayar panchayats will be closed on January 14. This will help stop accidents during busy traffic hours. On January 13, top officials, including the Ernakulam Range DIG, Idukki Police Chief, and Azhutha range officer, checked the final security setup at Pullumedu.