The works department of the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) has detected certain flaws in the zoning process and layout plan prepared by the High-Power Committee (HPC) for implementation of the Sabarimala Master Plan.
The TDB Chief Engineer (CE) has taken up the matter with the technical committee constituted in connection with the execution of the master plan. An expert team attached to the TDB, in consultation with the Chennai-based consultants of the master plan, has found certain marked deviations in the layout plan and its zoning from the custom of the temple and its day-to-day practices.
As per the original concept of the plan, the temple zone and other zones are arranged based on temple Vaasthu principles. However, the master plan revisited by the HPC identifies a square-based concept design and zone-wise allocation of the land. But as per the actual site conditions, most of the zonal boundaries are outside the periphery of the concept of the master plan, says the Chief Engineers's report.
According to the report, instead of incorporating the existing zoning concept plan prescribed by the HPC in the form of a `square’ with temple zone in the middle, a larger rectangle with the actual site boundaries may be considered, with actual site topography, including service areas and service-oriented buildings within the boundary.
"While reviewing the layout plan submitted by the consultant we have identified that there are certain zones and certain activities which are not at a par with the regular pilgrimage practice based on rituals and day-to-day functioning of the temple.
Moreover, the layout plan has got severe contradictions and is against the ethos of the relevant government orders issued earlier with regard to the allotment of land for improving the pilgrim infrastructure," says the report.
Prasadom complexes
The main component to be revisited and reviewed is the location for the prasadam preparation complexes planned in the North-West zone of the temple.
Not Vaasthu compliant
As per temple Vaasthu principles, the prasadam preparation complexes should be relocated to the south-east corner of the temple.
The land which has been allotted to the TDB, strictly for permissive use (without felling any tree), in the 'accommodation zone' is not in compliance with the provisions of the master plan.
The said area has been allotted to house the `Vedippura’ and no pilgrim activities should be allowed in this area.
Green zone
Moreover, the 1.9 hectares allotted to the TDB in the north-west area is being diverted for the creation of pilgrim infrastructure. Unfortunately, the same area is depicted as green zone as per the approved master plan which does not allow provision of any pilgrim facility there.
