The Hindu : Kerala / Thiruvananthapuram News : Redevelopment of temple complex proposed

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Aug 11, 2006

Kerala

Kerala - Thiruvananthapuram

Redevelopment of temple complex proposed

Roy Mathew

Draft master plan proposes phasing out of commercial units

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The draft master plan (phase II) for Sabarimala development proposes redevelopment of the temple complex and phasing out of commercial units for reintroducing the pristine landscape character of the temple.

A new appam-aravana complex and new stairs from all three sides for access to the Thirumuttam will be built. The existing complex will be phased out after completion of the new complex by 2008-09. The plan advises discontinuation of construction of any building of permanent nature near the Sannidhanam. It proposes building of a queue complex in the Marakootam-Sannidhanam stretch and prohibition of concreting of pavements. The volume of concrete buildings, it says, should be brought down with greening of the Sannidhanam. Spaces should be created with trees, shrubs and plants. Free movement paths should be left along natural animal movement corridors through the Sannidhanam.

Steps are proposed to be taken for reducing clogging up of the Pampa Manalppuram by phased demolition of buildings not used for religious purposes. No temporary sheds shall be allowed there after the peak season. The plan also advocates modular shops and hotels. Parking shall be permitted at Pampa only for ambulances and services.

Ground bioengineering techniques, it says, shall be used for checking soil erosion along trek routes and Swamy Ayyappan Road. Some of the plans for landscaping will go on until 2050.

The plan proposes proper waste management during all seasons at all thavalams, hospital waste management and prevention of flow of wastewater into open water bodies. Other proposals include aeration of the Bhasmakulam, use of aquatic plants and fish for upkeep of tanks and distribution of eco-friendly soaps. Supply of sticks and fuel is proposed to prevent destruction of plants. Removable handrails could be provided at selected locations.

Construction of new administrative building, the plan says, will be required. It also proposes construction of a platform around the Mahasannidhi (except on east side) and redevelopment of the flyover and existing neyyabhishekam queue complex, dormitory and bank building to the west. Besides, formation of an outer temple complex wall and nada panthal are proposed for completion by 2013.

Providing buffer space around the temple complex, it says, is essential to regulate pilgrim circulation and to check new development coming up abutting temple complex. More space is needed for better safety and service to the pilgrims.

The plan proposes drawing up of detailed plans for the Muvattupuzha, Manimala, Meenachil, Pampa and Achencoil rivers besides control on sand-mining. Pilgrim amenities and water supply facilities are proposed to be set up at a large number of locations in Pathanamthitta and neighbouring districts.

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