The State Budget presented by Finance Minister K.N. Balagopal on Friday continued with its liberal approach towards the development of Sabarimala by allocating ₹1,033.62 crore for the implementation of a master plan that aims to transform the hill shrine into one of India’s premier pilgrimage destinations.
Mr. Balagopal announced that ₹778.17 crore will be allocated for the Sannidhanam’s development, while ₹207.48 crore is set aside for Pampa Manappuram’s expansion. In addition, ₹47.97 crore will be used to enhance the trekking path from Pampa to the Sannidhanam. While ₹32.88 crore is designated for the first phase (2022-2025) of the project, ₹15.09 crore has been set aside for the second phase (2024-2026), said the Minister.
8 distinct zones
Last month, the State Cabinet approved the Sabarimala master plan, which divides the pilgrimage zone into eight distinct zones. The key developments under this plan include two open plazas for crowd management and facilitating Makaravilakku darshan.
The plan also envisages revamping the trekking path with shelters, rest areas, and emergency vehicle lanes to ensure a safer pilgrimage experience. Buffer zones will be set up on both sides of the trekking path, besides taking up ecological restoration measures along the path.
The first phase of Pampa’s development will require ₹184.75 crore, while the second phase (2028-2033) is estimated at ₹22.73 crore, bringing the total cost of development of Pampa and the trekking route to ₹255.45 crore.
Devaswom Minister V.N. Vasavan said the master plan has been developed in collaboration with Thiruvananthapuram Engineering College. ”A Detailed Project Report (DPR) is currently being prepared, and the first-phase works will commence in this fiscal itself,” he said.
Roads to Sabarimala
In addition to the master plan, the Budget also revealed that ₹545.13 crore has already been spent on constructing and maintaining roads leading to the Sabarimala under the second Left Democratic Front government.
The Budget has also allotted ₹5 crore for a pilgrim amenity centre near the Mahaganapathy temple in Kottarakara, besides ₹3 crore for developing pilgrim tourism amenities in Kozhanchery, connecting the Aranmula boat race and other pilgrimage centres with the Maramon convention.
Published – February 07, 2025 06:45 pm IST