Thiruvananthapuram: Even if financial participation is assured in the Ayyappa Summit to be held in Pamba for the development of Sabarimala, projects can be implemented only with the permission of the Sabarimala High Power Committee and the Master Plan Infrastructure Fund. If anyone wishes to contribute to Sabarimala development in the future through the Ayyappa Summit, the amount must be transferred to the Sabarimala Master Plan Infrastructure Fund, which operates with the High Court’s approval.

The fund was formed years ago to raise contributions from outside Sabarimala. Members of the Master Plan Infrastructure Fund Committee, chaired by the Travancore Devaswom Board president, include Ayyappa devotee owners of institutions in various states or their representatives.

If development discussions at the Summit go beyond projects approved by the High Authority Committee and the master plan, there will be no benefit. The board has explained that only discussions on development in line with the outline and project document prepared by Thiruvananthapuram Engineering College will be held.

Neither the government nor the Devaswom Board can alter the master plan or implement large-scale projects on their own. Officials of the Sabarimala High-Power Committee will also participate in the meeting, chaired by Justice S Sirijagan. The government had approved projects worth Rs 1,033.62 crore for implementation in Sabarimala and Pampa. The committee will not oppose efforts to raise funds for development as per the master plan.

The summit is estimated to cost Rs 3 to 4 crore. The board is seeking sponsorships to cover expenses. The opposition has questioned what development can be achieved in a one-day meeting. Since only preliminary discussions are expected, further meetings will be required.

Devaswom Board seeks to avoid controversies

The Travancore Devaswom Board has said it wants to avoid controversies surrounding the global Ayyappa Summit for Sabarimala development. President PS Prashanth and member A Ajikumar urged that the Summit be held as part of the board’s platinum jubilee and that deliberate efforts by some groups to create disputes be abandoned.

Prashanth said the Ayyappa Sangam has secured the support of several organisations, including NSS, SNDP Yogam and KPMS. He added that efforts are being made to invite other organisations directly.

Ajikumar said the Sangam will discuss the development of Sabarimala, the proposed Sabarimala airport, Sabarimala railway, and the growth of Sabarimala and adjacent areas. He criticised opponents for failing to understand the scope of the discussions.

The Travancore Devaswom National Prachar Sabha has also expressed support for the success of the global Ayyappa Summit on September 20. Before the Lok Sabha elections, both the BJP and the Congress had said that, if in power at the Centre, they would override the court verdict through legislation. However, even after the BJP continued in power, no action was taken, said chairman R Shaji Sharma, noting that not even Union Minister Suresh Gopi raised the issue.

Sreedhanya and Arun in charge

Sreedhanya Suresh, additional director of the Tourism Department, is the convener of the programme committee of the Sabarimala Ayyappa Sangam. The responsibility of coordinating the Sangam has also been assigned to Sabarimala ADM Dr Arun S Nair.