The Travancore Devaswom Board would make necessary arrangements to ensure foolproof sewage treatment at the main base camp of Sabarimala pilgrims at Nikackal well before the beginning of the ensuing annual Mandalam- Makaravilakku pilgrimage season that begins in mid- November, board president A. Padnakumar has said.
Talking to The Hindu here on Saturday, Mr Padmakumar said the TDB was exploring the possibility of installing temporary modular sewage system at Nilackal similar to the ones installed at Prayagraj for the Kumbhmela.
He said the High Power Committee (HPC) for implementation of Sabarimala Master Plan has already designated a consultant for identifying the best suitable sewage treatment system for the Nilackal base camp.
Three plants
Mr. Padmakumar said the TDB was for installing three sewage treatment plants (STP) at Nilackal.
It would take not less than 18 months for installing a new STP and hence the board and HPC have proposed hiring of modular STPs for the Nilackal base camp, this year.
₹100-crore assistance
Mr. Padmakumar said the State Government would be releasing the ₹100 crore financial aid announced for TDB soon.
It was for the first time in the history of TDB that a government is providing support fund to the board for its revenue loss during a Sabarimala pilgrim season, Mr. Padmakumar said.
The TDB chief said the board was expected to receive the fund within a week itself.
Mr. Padmakumar said the TDB has prepared a detailed action plan, as in the previous years, for the smooth conduct of the annual pilgrimage season at Sabarimala.
Auctioning
Auctioning of spaces for running shops, eateries, at Sabarimala, Pampa, and Nilackal has almost been completed, he said.
Stocking of sufficient quantity of rice, jaggery, for prasadom preparation at Sabarimala too is under way, he said.
The Government and the TDB would work hand in hand to ensure a hassle-free pilgrimage to Sabarimala during the forthcoming annual pilgrim season, he said.
