Global Ayyappa Sangamam: Kerala CM slams ‘vested interests’ threatening Sabarimala development, outlines ₹1,000-crore plan

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Saturday (September 20, 2025) launched a strong attack on “vested interests attempting to derail” development initiatives at Sabarimala.

Inaugurating the Global Ayyappa Sangamam at Pampa, organised as part of the Travancore Devaswom Board’s (TDB) platinum jubilee celebrations, the Chief Minister directly addressed questions raised about the event.

“Times are changing, pilgrim numbers are rising and we must think and act accordingly. It is unfortunate that some even went to court to block this. Was it truly out of devotion to Lord Ayyappa, concern for forest conservation, or religious purity? Everyone knows that is not the case,” Mr. Vijayan said.

He recalled how the government had stepped in to rescue temples that once faced neglect and near ruin. “During the COVID-19 crisis of 2019, even the daily functioning of the Devaswom Board was in distress. At that time, the government provided ₹140 crore in financial aid to the board, along with another ₹123 crore for renovation works. Yet these facts are often ignored,” he noted.

Highlighting ongoing efforts, the Chief Minister said that since the launch of the Sabarimala Master Plan in 2011–12, about ₹148.5 crore had been spent on development projects. “Approval for the layout plan of Nilackal, the base camp of Sabarimala, was given in 2020. Earlier delays by the master plan’s high-powered committee had slowed fund utilisation. But with persistent government intervention, momentum has since picked up. This January, the government approved layout plans for both the Sannidhanam and the trek routes at Pampa,” he said.

Mr. Vijayan also countered reports that the State was planning a minority conclave immediately after the Sangamam. “What is actually being planned is Kerala’s development vision for 2031, the platinum jubilee of the State’s formation. To review past progress and set future directions, 33 seminars will be held in October under various departments, each led by the respective minister. All are of equal importance. Only one is under the Minority Affairs department, yet some choose to single it out to spread misinformation,” he said.

The Chief Minister stressed that the Global Ayyappa Sangamam was “not a hasty decision” but the result of years of deliberation. With pilgrim numbers rising steadily, he underscored the need for improved facilities that safeguard both the environment and the sanctity of the shrine.

According to him, the Sabarimala Master Plan looks ahead to 2050, with a focus on the integrated development of Sannidhanam, Pampa, the traditional paths and Nilackal.

For Sannidhanam, the plan earmarks ₹600.47 crore for the first phase (2022-27), ₹100.02 crore for the second phase (2028–33) and ₹77.68 crore for the third phase (2034–39). For Pampa, ₹207.48 crore is planned across two phases, while trek route development is estimated at ₹47.97 crore. Altogether, the projected cost for Sannidhanam, Pampa and the trek routes comes to ₹1,033.62 crore.

Between 2025 and 2030, an additional ₹314.96 crore worth of projects are envisioned to further enhance pilgrim facilities.