Kerala govt plans infra projects at Sabarimala

Roads and infrastructure projects topped the Kerala government’s agenda as it firmed up development plans in the Sabarimala hills ahead of this year’s pilgrimage season.

Speaking with reporters after a high-level review meeting with ministers and officials from various departments here, Health Minister V S Shivakumar said an outline of time-bound projects at and around the hill shrine was formalised during the meeting.

Repair works on the Kanamala Bridge near Erumeli will be completed and the bridge  be opened before the season begins, while work on the Vandiperiyar and Sathram road awaits Finance Ministry clearance. The government also proposes to take up several repair works on the roads in Pampa before the season begins this year on November 15.

The minister said the Motor Vehicle Department would extend its ongoing Safe Zone programme this season. A control room in Nilakkal and a co-ordination cell in Pampa have been proposed in this connection.

Kerala State Road Transport Corporation is set to operate 200 buses for special services during the season.

Enhancement of the virtual queue system, more special lights in the Pullumedu area, special arrangement for distribution of prasadam, more oxygen parlours and medicinal drinking water for the pilgrims feature in the plans for this year’s season.

A Rs 23 crore sewage treatment plant is likely to be operational on the first week of November, while the government has also sanctioned funds for local Panchayats to improve basic infrastructure in the region.

The meeting was attended by senior ministers, including Finance Minister K M Mani, Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala, MLAs and, among others, secretaries of various departments.