The Sabarimala temple, one of the most revered shrines in Kerala, is facing criticism for its lack of proper crowd management, facilities for pilgrims, and a clean environment. Many devotees believe that Sabarimala needs a scientific crowd management system, better facilities for pilgrims, and a cleaner environment than an airport.
Unlike other temples, the significance of the Sabarimala temple lies in the hardship involved in the ‘vrat’ or the 41 days of penance and discipline that devotees undergo before visiting the shrine. The hardship of travelling through the forest and reaching the hilltop shrine is what makes Sabarimala special.
However, the upcoming airport in Sabarimala is threatening to spoil the very purpose of the temple and affect biodiversity. Environmentalists have come forward to raise their concerns against the airport project. They believe that bringing facilities like an airport to Sabarimala will spoil the sanctity of the temple.
The Kerala government seems to be insensitive to the environmental concerns and is willing to ignore the need for a scientific crowd management system and better facilities for the pilgrims. More than the rich, it is ordinary people who visit Sabarimala, and the need of the hour is to improve basic amenities at the temple. Ensuring better conveyance facility from Chengannur railway station to Pampa and safeguarding the environment from pollution should be given priority.
The lack of proper facilities and crowd management at the Sabarimala temple has been a longstanding issue, but the solution should not come at the cost of the temple’s sanctity and the environment. The union government needs to understand the peculiar features of the temple and the rituals associated with it before making any decisions that may affect the shrine’s sanctity.
In conclusion, the proposed airport near Sabarimala temple is a misplaced priority. The temple needs a scientific crowd management system, better facilities for the pilgrims, and a cleaner environment to maintain its sanctity. The focus should be on improving the existing infrastructure and not on creating new ones that can harm the environment and affect the pilgrimage experience.
But who cares?
By Ananta Ram Bharati
