Thiruvananthapuram, 17 September (IANS) Kerala has spent Rs 70.37 crore on various projects for the development of Sabarimala between 2016-17 and 2024-25, the assembly was informed on Wednesday.
State Devaswom Minister VN Vasavan told the House that since 2016, governments have completed several projects under the Sabarimala Master Plan.
Between 2022-23 and 2024-25, the Sabarimala Master Plan High-Level Committee had demanded a release of Rs 18.39 crore from the state government, and has already disrupted Rs 15.69 crore.
Vasavan said that the government had approved the layout plan for the base camp of the temple in Nilakkal in 2020.
He said, “Since then, layout plans for the Sanidhanam (East of the temple), Pampa and trekking route have also been approved. Continuous government intervention has helped to speed up the works under the master plan,” he said.
According to official estimates, the cost of the first phase of development in Sandanham (2022–2027) is expected to be Rs 600.47 crore, followed by Rs 100.02 crore in the second phase (2028-2033) and Rs 77.68 crore in the third phase (2034-2039).
Overall, the Sanninham Vikas Yojana is estimated at Rs 778.17 crore.
For Pampa, Rs 207.48 crore has been introduced – Rs 184.75 crore for the first phase (2022–2027) and Rs 22.73 crore for the second phase (2028–2033).
The trekking route development is estimated at Rs 47.97 crore, which is spread over two phases (2022-2026).
Together, the total estimated expenditure for Sandanam, Pampa and Trekking routes is Rs 1,033.62 crore.
Beyond the master plan budget, the government has also spent Rs 116.41 crore through KiifB to improve facilities for pilgrims.
This included Kajkotam, Chiragannur, Chirangara, Iromeli, Nilakkal, and Cast Houses in the Manyankode to include the establishments of the Constance.
The figure was revealed in response to a question raised by Mlas P. Anilkumar, Eldhose P. Kunnappil and CR Mahesh.
Located in Pathanamthitta district of Kerala, the hill pilgrimage of Sabarimala, 3,000 feet in the Western Ghats, is one of the most prestigious pilgrimage sites in India.
This annually attracts millions of devotees, with tradition, 41-day penance is required before climbing barefoot from the banks of Pampa River.
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SG/VD