Major Push for Sabarimala: Kerala Govt Allocates ₹1,033.62 Crore for Development
Kerala Budget Focuses on Sabarimala Development with ₹1,033.62 Crore Allocation
The Kerala State Budget, presented by Finance Minister K.N.
Balagopal on Friday, has made a significant push for the development of Sabarimala,
allocating ₹1,033.62 crore to implement a comprehensive Sabarimala masterplan.
The plan aims to enhance facilities for devotees and transform the hill shrine
into one of India’s top pilgrimage destinations.
Key Allocations for Development
- ₹778.17 crore for upgrading Sannidhanam,
- ₹207.48
crore for expanding Pampa Manappuram, the base camp of the
pilgrimage.
- ₹47.97
crore for improving the trekking path from Pampa to
Sannidhanam.
The trekking path development will be carried out in two phases:
- ₹32.88
crore for Phase 1 (2022-2025).
- ₹15.09
crore for Phase 2 (2024-2026).
Master Plan: A Safer and Smoother Pilgrimage
The Sabarimala master plan, recently approved by the
state government, divides the pilgrimage area into eight distinct zones
to better manage the large influx of devotees. The plan includes:
- Two
open plazas to help regulate crowds and facilitate the Makaravilakku
darshan.
- Improved
trekking paths with shelters, resting spots, and emergency vehicle
access.
- Buffer
zones for ecological restoration along the trekking route.
For Pampa’s development:
- Phase
1 (₹184.75 crore) will focus on infrastructure improvements.
- Phase
2 (₹22.73 crore, scheduled for 2028-2033) will complete the project.
- The
total budget for Pampa and the trekking path stands at ₹255.45 crore.
Expert Collaboration & Road Upgrades
Devaswom Minister V.N. Vasavan stated that the plan
has been developed with input from Thiruvananthapuram Engineering College,
and a Detailed Project Report (DPR) is being prepared. He confirmed that
the first-phase works will begin this fiscal year.
Additionally, the Budget revealed that ₹545.13 crore
has already been invested in constructing and maintaining roads leading to
Sabarimala.
Other Pilgrim-Friendly Initiatives
- ₹5
crore has been allotted for a pilgrim amenity centre near Mahaganapathy
temple in Kottarakara.
- ₹3 crore will be used for developing pilgrim tourism facilities in Kozhanchery, connecting the Aranmula boat race and other spiritual sites with the Maramon convention.
- The Sabarimala Greenfield Airport project at Erumely has received ₹4.96 crore,
- The Kerala State Budget has allocated a total of ₹10,431.73 crore for the health sector,
