Sabarimala has the potential to become a global pilgrimage destination. However, its ad hoc management needs to be disbanded, and the temple area should be designated as a Special Administrative Region
Kerala’s globally renowned Sabarimala shrine deserves a Special Administrative Region status, akin to that of a Union Territory, for better governance. Over the last 10 years, the shrine, located in Pathanamthitta district, has emerged as the second most visited pilgrimage destination in India with a footfall of more than three crore per year. Notably, these tourists have to travel through deep forest, in a 20sqkm area within the Periyar Tiger Reserve, to reach their temple.
During the November-January pilgrimage season, Sabarimala attracts about 34,000 pilgrims on a weekly basis, mostly from Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. The pilgrims usually come through the airports in Cochin and Thiruvananthapuram or the dozen railway heads in Kerala.
The State administration and the Travancore Devaswom Board have faced many difficulties in coordinating the Sabarimala pilgrimage. For one, the TDB has a temporary executive system, organised only for the pilgrimage season. Also, finances are inadequate and the Union Government doesn’t issue timely clearances for developing adequate pilgrim infrastructure in statutory forest areas.
The Sabarimala Master Plan, formulated by a professional design agency, approved and accepted by the Travancore Devaswom Board and the Kerala Government, has moved at a glacial pace. This has led to huge infrastructure bottlenecks in the transport system. Also, the accommodation and sanitation needs of the large number of pilgrims are not being met. This compromises the safety of the pilgrims, as evidenced in the 2011 stampede that claimed more than a 100 lives.
Due to its poor track record, the Sabarimala management is now monitored by the Kerala High Court. It is important to establish an accountable management structure that will unburden the Court of its unnecessary executive oversight. It is, therefore, most desirable to bring forth an Act of Parliament and designate the combined Revenue Sub Division and Forest Sub Divisions, including Perinad village that houses the Sabarimala shrine, as a Special Administrative Region.
The Governor of Kerala may function as its Administrator, as provided in the Constitution of India. A Governing Board may be formed with the participation of the State Governments of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and the Travancore Devaswom Board. A proper executive system can also be set up for better governance.
The Sabarimala Special Administrative Region can have departments to look after essential, emergency and municipal functions. The heads of these departments should be permanently employed by the Governing Board and be accountable to the Administrator.
Democratic participation may be ensured through the presence of the local Members of Parliament and legislative Assemblies on the Governing Board. For coordinating with the local administration, the District Collector may also join the Board. The Board may thereafter carry out all the functions of Travancore Devaswom Board as well as the State Civil Administration in matters pertaining to the Sabarimala pilgrimage. The Administrator may also be bestowed with powers of the Union Government to relax forest legislation and allow development in accordance with the Sabarimala Master Plan.
The security arrangements at Sabarimala need timely upgradation. A separate full time Commission of Security is needed with the expandable participation of the Central security forces and the police services of stakeholder States during the pilgrimage season. The proposed engagement will also pave the way for attracting Union Government funds under various initiatives such as the Swatch Bharat Abhiyan. This will result in environmentally appropriate capacity enhancement.
A better and professionally managed Sabarimala shrine can then engage in the promotion of Vedanta, religion, philosophy and higher seats of learning. This will help in propagating inter-faith understanding and global peace.