The Travancore Devaswom Board has started demolishing the Malikappuram shopping complex at Sabarimala Sannidhanam as proposed in the Sabarimala Master Plan to facilitate hassle-free movement of pilgrims at the Lower Tirumuttom.
The three-storey Malikappuram shopping complex that housed 18 shops, 16 rooms for accommodating officials on special duty, and 19 rooms for various media houses (media centre), stood opposite to the Malikappuram Devi temple.
The hardly three-metre space between the shopping complex and the flyover linking the Malikappuram Temple complex and the Ayyappa temple was too narrow causing severe congestion during the rush days of the annual pilgrim season.
The Sabarimala Master Plan proposed the demolition of this complex and widening of the pilgrims’ pathway to avoid heavy congestion in the area.
However, the TDB and the High Power Committee for implementation of the Sabarimala Master Plan had waited till the completion of the Darshan Complex at Sabarimala Sannidhanam to facilitate shifting of the media rooms to the new building before the demolition of the three-storey old building.
According to TDB sources, demolition of the shopping complex will provide not less than 10,000 sq ft open space, facilitating free movement of the pilgrims across the prime area at the Lower Tirumuttom.
This area has been a meeting point of the paths leading to Malikappuram Temple, Annadana Mandapam, Paandithavalom, and the route of the pilgrims returning from the Valiya Nadapandal.
Stampede chances
Severe congestion often leading to stampede-like situation along this narrow stretch has been a major problem during the rush days of the annual pilgrim season.
TDB sources told The Hindu that the repair and maintenance work on various buildings at Sabarimala and Pampa was progressing fast so as to complete it by November 10.
The Reverse Osmosis plant and water kiosks at Sabarimala too would be ready for operation at Sabarimala, Pampa, and along the trekking path by November 10, sources said.
