Three pilgrims died while trekking on the Vellingiri Hills near Coimbatore, on Sunday and Monday (March 25 and 25, 2024).
With these deaths, the total number of pilgrims who have died while trekking these hills during the ongoing pilgrimage season (which began in February), has risen to five. Two young pilgrims had previously died, one in February, and one earlier this month. The summit is situated at a height of 1,850 metres (MSL) where Lord Shiva in Swayambhu (self-manifested form) is worshipped,
Forest Department officials said that the first death on Sunday was reported around 1 p.m. The deceased has been identified as C.H. Subba Rao, 68, a native of Hyderabad. He developed breathlessness on the fourth hill and died.
The Alandurai police were intimated about the death and volunteers brought the body downhill, using a stretcher. The police then took the body to the Coimbatore Medical College Hospital (CMCH) for a post-mortem.
A second pilgrim, M. Thiyagarajan, 35, of Jalakandapuram in Salem district, died on the first hill, at Kurangupaalam, around 4 p.m. on Sunday. The police took his body to CMCH too, after volunteers brought it downhill.
A third pilgrim died on the second hill in the early hours of Monday. The deceased has been identified as S. Pandiyan, 40, a native of Seepalakkottai in Theni district. He had collapsed at Vazhukkuparai, and volunteers rushed to rescue him. However, he died before they got to the spot. The police took his body to CMCH as well.
Forest Department issues advisory
Following the five deaths this season, the Forest Department has issued advisories for people who plan to trek the hills, noted as one of the most difficult trekking routes in Tamil Nadu.
It advises senior citizens, those who have undergone intensive care treatment for COVID-19, and those with heart ailments, breathing problems, obesity and diabetes to undergo a detailed medical check to ensure they are fit, before embarking on the trek.
The advisory also urged pilgrims to trek the hills in groups and not as single individuals. Bringing pilgrims, who develop health complications or die during the trek, downhill is a strenuous task as volunteers or staff have to carry them using bamboo stretchers through tough terrains, it added.
