The Travancore-Devaswom Board has constructed a view point-cum-comfort station at Appachimedu on the Pampa-Sannidhanam trekking path as part of the Sabarimala Masterplan prepared by the Delhi-based Ecosmart India Limited.
The view point has been set up on the roof of an 80-member toilet block in conformity with the forest environs in the Periyar Tiger Reserve.
Appachimedu is a steep hill on the traditional trekking route to the Sabarimala Sannidhanam and many a pilgrim undertaking the arduous trek is often found to be almost exhausted at this point.
The view point overlooking a verdant valley at Appachimedu where devotees throw small rice balls as a customary offering to the deities in the sacred grove of Lord Ayyappa will also act as a resting bay, besides providing a panoramic view of the Sabarimala forests.
The work on two modern double-storey cardiology centre buildings as well as pilgrim amenity complex at Appachimedu has been completed, according to Mr. K. Ravikumar, TDB chief engineer.
Mr. Ravikumar said work on various pilgrim amenity schemes was fast progressing at Pampa, Sanidhanama and on the trekking path so as to complete them by November 10.
A total of 160 latrines have been constructed on the trekking path, besides another 360 latrines and 80 bathrooms at the Sannidhanam.
Insallation of two incinerators with a capacity to dispose 200 kg solid waste per hour was fast under way.
Roofing of the pilgrim shelter upon the Queue Complex near Malikappuram too is fast progressing.
Mr. Jolly Ullas, Executive Engineer at the Sannidhanam told The Hindu that the roofing work of the fly-over linking the Ayyappa Temle complex with Malikappuram Devi Temple would be launched soon.
Mr. Ullas said the TDB has already started work on two giant drinking water storage tanks at Paandithavalom and one of them could be commissioned by Makaravilakku festival.
He said the augmentation work at the mechanised Aravana plant at Sannidhanam too was under way so as to double the Aravana paysom production during the forthcoming Mandalam-Makaravilakku festival that begins on November 16.
