TDB's master plan for Sabarimala

Kerala government and Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) are planning for a major development works at famous Hindu pilgrimage centre Sabarimala temple in Kerala before the next pilgrim season.

These development works are being planned as part of the master plan for the development of Sabarimala shrine. TDB manages the temple.

Some of the major works being planned include expansion of Nadapanthal’ (roofed pathway), modernisation of Prasadam (offerings) plants and augmenting the capacity of Kunnar dam which supplies water to Sabarimala. Erumely, the main hub of pilgrims en-route to Sabarimala will be developed as a township.

The expansion plan of ‘Nadapanthal’ aims to convert it as a two -storied building. The queue to the temple will pass through the first floor while ground floor will be used for pilgrims to sleep.

The authorities are planning to develop ‘Nadappanthal’ with the help of sponsors. Some of the major players in construction and real estate sector have expressed interests in sponsoring the work, said top government sources. The state government is planning to entrust the responsibility of expansion work to L&T. The work of the second floor of the Nadapanthal would be completed within four months at a cost of Rs 27 crore, according to a review meeting  held here on Tuesday.

Chief minister Oommen Chandy who chaired the meeting said the ‘Prasadam’ plants would be renovated at a cost of Rs 12 crore.