Kochi: The Rs 5-crore Chottanikara temple town project conceptualised in 2015 and approved by the government has failed to take off.
Though the previous UDF government sanctioned Rs 3 crore in 2017 for the three-phased project, it was stalled after the LDF government came to power. The project is crucial for the development of Chottanikkara, a major pilgrim centre being visited by thousands of devotees daily.
Anoop Jacob, MLA, told DC that he raised the issue in the Assembly recently but was given no reply by the minister for local self-government.
The first phase includes extension of the Nadapandal, development of link road to the temple and construction of comfort stations. The second phase consists of installation of solar lights and panels and setting up of sewage treatment plant. Construction of parking facility will be done in the third phase.
“The current project proposal includes only the extension of Nadapandal and construction of link roads. Financial and technical sanction have not been granted. Installation of solar panels and lights cannot be included in the project because of the technical specifications provided by the KSEBL,” said Reez Puthenveetil, vice-president of Chottanikkara panchayat.
“The development project will facilitate smooth functioning of the temple, especially during the busy Makam festival days,” said P. V. Maya, assistant commissioner, Cochin Devaswom Board.
According to C.P. Chandrasekharan, vigilance officer of the Devaswom Board, lack of waste management and toilet facilities is a major concern. “Nearly two lakh litres of waste water from the temple premises flows out. If a treatment facility is set up, the huge quantity of water can be used for irrigation and other purposes,” he added.
