Cabinet Approved Sabarimala Development Plan: RTI Exposes Hidden Realities
Thiruvananthapuram, January 8, 2025 - The Kerala government has given the green signal to a ₹1033 crore development layout plan for Sabarimala, focusing on the 'Sannidhanam', Pampa, and trek routes.
Government Approves ₹778.17 Crore for Development
- The Cabinet has sanctioned a development plan for the Sannidhanam-Pampa trek, part of the broader Sabarimala Master Plan.
- The funding breakdown is as follows:
- Phase 1: ₹600.47 crore
- Phase 2 (2028-33): ₹100.02 crore
- Phase 3 (2034-39): ₹77.68 crore
Respect for Cultural and Spiritual Values
- The plan aims to maintain the spiritual and cultural essence of Sannidhanam.
- The area will be segmented into eight zones for streamlined development and management.
Development Plan Highlights:
- Crowd Management: Introduction of two open plazas to manage pilgrims efficiently while maintaining the view for the Makaravilakku festival.
- Pilgrim Facilities:
- Shelters and resting spots along the Kanana Patha to enhance safety and comfort.
- An emergency vehicle lane for swift response during crises.
- Environmental Conservation: Establishment of buffer zones to protect the ecological balance along the trekking route.
Budget Breakdown for Pampa and Trekking Route:
- Pampa Development:
- Estimated total: ₹207.48 crore
- Phase 1: ₹184.75 crore
- Phase 2 (2028-33): ₹22.73 crore
- Trekking Route Development:
- Estimated total: ₹47.97 crore
- Phase 1: ₹32.88 crore
- Phase 2 (2028-33): ₹15.50 crore
- Total for Pampa and trekking route development: ₹255.45 crore.
RTI Exposes Past 7 years's Hidden Realities:
- In the reply given by the Revenue Department to RTI activist K. Govindan Nampoothiry, it is only stated that Rs 79.72 crore was allocated for the project from 2016-17 to 2024-25. A difference of around Rs 140 crore.
- Discrepancy in Funding: While CM Pinarayi Vijayan announced a ₹220 crore allocation for Sabarimala over the last seven years, The Right to Information (RTI) data shows only ₹79.72 crore was allocated from 2016-17 to 2024-25, revealing a significant discrepancy.
- In a press release issued by the Public Relations Department in 2023, the Chief Minister clarified that the amount was allocated by including it in the master plan. While the government has announced that the development work as part of this is progressing, the discrepancy in the figures is being discussed.
- Unrealized Master Plan: The 2006 Sabarimala Master Plan remains largely unimplemented, with critical infrastructure still lacking during peak pilgrimage times.
- Project Delays: Key projects like the bridge from Pampa to Ganapathi Kovil, the Malikappuram-Chandranandan flyover, and security upgrades at pilgrimage sites are significantly behind schedule.
- Long-term Goals: The government's timeline for project completion extends to 2050, suggesting slow progress.
- Legal and Environmental Hurdles: as temple Situated in a Tiger Reserve, development faces strict legal constraints related to conservation, complicating and delaying infrastructure projects.
The 'Master' Plan's Irony:
- The term "Master Plan" has become somewhat ironic, given the numerous revisions and delays, which have hindered actual progress.
- Accountability and Transparency: With ongoing revisions and funding, the lack of clear accountability has left many questioning the government's commitment and capability to fulfill these ambitious plans.
This situation underscores a significant gap between policy promises and practical outcomes, raising questions about governmental effectiveness in managing one of Kerala's most sacred sites.
