PATHANAMTHITTA: It has been reported that only three development programmes were implemented at Sabarimala though the central government had sanctioned Rs 100 cr. for the Sabarimala development project. The amount was sanctioned for the development of Sannidhanam, Pampa, Saranavazhi and Erumeli under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme (Central Sector Scheme) for integrated development of theme based tourist circuits in the country. The project duration will end within three months.

There have been several allegations that the Devaswom Board and high officials' committee did not take interest in implementing the project, though a detailed plan was submitted by the Devaswom Board to the high officials' committee. The construction of 90 new toilet blocks were interrupted during the floods.

300-metre high steps are being build between Aarattu Kadav, where the devotees take the holy bath and the Thriveni bridge. Though, Rs 4 cr. was sanctioned for building steps and ramp in the Neelimala path between Pampa and Sannidhanam none of the programmes has been started yet. The amount was sanctioned by the central government on December 15, 2015. It was scheduled to ve completed within 36 months.