Sabarimala, dedicated to the deity Lord Ayyappan, is a very important place of worship and pilgrimage. Located in the state of Kerala with in the Periyar Tiger Reserve Forest, this religious center attracts pilgrim from all parts of the country, especially from South and South West. Ministry of Environment and Forests, Govt. of India envisioned that the situation at Sabarimala temple located inside the forests of Western Ghats in Kerala warranted regulation of flow of pilgrims through a holistic “Master Plan”, drawn by professionals, which should also include institutional mechanism for day-to-day management. The objective of the master plan was to meet the essential needs of increasing number of pilgrims by ensuring improved level of facilities and streamlining the pilgrim movement to protect the fragile ecosystem.

IL&FS Ecosmart Ltd. was involved in preparation of the “Master Plan for Sabarimala”, by the State Government of Kerala, for a planned and sustainable development of infrastructure and facilities around Sabarimala temple complex over the next 50 years.

The main challenges were the twin issues of pilgrim-management and crowd-regulation. The entire pressure of the pilgrimage was felt on two spots only, namely Pampa (the foothill) and the Sannidhanam (sanctum sanctorum). Therefore, it was proposed to decongest this area and develop peripheral areas as base camps to accommodate the rush of pilgrims and regulate their movement.

While preparing the Master Plan, Ecosmart consulted all relevant stakeholders and built consensus amongst them. The plan covered areas including transportation, development of base camps, pilgrim logistics, water supply, sanitation, solid waste management, health care facilities, communication facilities and disaster management.

By successfully balancing the environmental and religious concerns of the region, Ecosmart has gained unique visibility in the local and national media. The project was being monitored by the Prime Minister’s Office. The project provided Ecosmart with the rare opportunity to integrate social, ecological and religious aspects with the design and implementation of the regional infrastructure and management interventions. 

The plan provided a unique opportunity for all concerned to ensure development of Sabarimala into a world class pilgrim center. Kerala State cabinet approved the Master Plan on May 02, 2007 for development of Sabarimala temple complex.