Fund crunch: Master Plan takes a beating

New batch of police personnel, after taking charge on Monday, listen to instructions at Sannidhanam. 

The much trumpeted Sabarimala Master Plan project is clearly running out of fuel even before it takes the road.
The comprehensive plan for infrastructure development seemed to have hit the wall as authorities face fund crunch.
Additional chief secretary and chairman of High Power Committee for the master plan implementation K. Jayakumar told DC that the only funds available was a throwaway Rs 2 crore as against Rs 150 crore required for the initial phase completion.
In other words, it would mean, projects like development of Swami Ayyappan Road, renovation of Nadapanthals, construction of prasadam complex and aravana plant, and Kunnar dam which need to be completed before next season will come to a halt.
Jayakumar said the the Devaswom Board failed to find sponsors to mobilise sufficient funds despite approaching many businessmen and firms.
“The Rs 15-crore government fund is the only money they can pin their hopes on”, he said.
Jayakumar revealed Shoba Developers and Tatas have expressed interest in cooperating with the project.
“We’re also looking at NRI support. If these materialise, then the project would move through”, he said.
Devaswam executive president M. Satish Kumar said there’s real need for funds since 80 per cent of the temple revenue goes as expenditure.