Master Plan for Sabarimala Landscape Module MASTER PLAN MODULES LANDSCAPE MODULE 1. BACKGROUND ......................................................................................................................1 1.1 Introduction and Relevance................................................................................................1 1.2 Aims and Objectives............................................................................................................2 1.3 Methodology.........................................................................................................................2 1.4 Scope of the Study ...............................................................................................................3 1.5 Structure of the Report .......................................................................................................3 2. PLANNING REGION FOR LANDSCAPE MICRO PLAN ...............................................5 2.1 Introduction .........................................................................................................................5 2.2 Planning Region...................................................................................................................5 2.3 Need for Planning Guidelines.............................................................................................6 2.4 Planning Time Frames / Horizon.......................................................................................7 3. ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL SCENARIO OF THE HOST REGION..................8 3.1 Natural Setting.....................................................................................................................8 3.1.1 Physiography ................................................................................................................................8 3.1.2 Hydrology...................................................................................................................................... 9 3.1.3 Climate ........................................................................................................................................11 3.1.4 Geology .......................................................................................................................................12 3.1.5 Soil...............................................................................................................................................12 3.1.6 Landuse, Flora and Fauna .........................................................................................................14 3.1.7 Demographic Character.............................................................................................................16 3.1.8 Influence on Socio-Economic factors of the Host Community ..................................................17 3.1.8.1 Traders / Businessmen / Service Providers from outside the community: ......................20 3.1.8.1 Agencies / Departments providing pilgrim services ........................................................22 3.2 Critical Planning Considerations based on Natural Landscape Characteristics......... 23 4. ANALYSIS OF IMPACTS ...................................................................................................25 4.1 Regional Impact.................................................................................................................25 4.1.1 Impact of Intrusive Landuse and Activities on Biodiversity ......................................................25 4.1.2 Impact of Activities on the Settlements.......................................................................................28 4.1.2.1 Pollution of River Pampa..................................................................................................28 4.1.2.2 Pollution of other rivers and water bodies.......................................................................29 4.2 Impacts on Sannidhanam area.........................................................................................30 4.2.1 Critical Landscape Features ......................................................................................................31 4.2.2 Density of Development..............................................................................................................31 4.2.3 Landuses at Sannidhanam ..........................................................................................................32 4.2.4 Construction Typology................................................................................................................33 4.2.5 Services and Access Corridors...................................................................................................35 4.2.5.1 Services..............................................................................................................................35 4.2.5.2 Pilgrim Access...................................................................................................................35 4.2.5.3 Service Access ...................................................................................................................36 4.2.6 Impact of Activities and Space Usages on Critical Elements of the Landscape .......................36 4.2.6.1 Impact of Noise .................................................................................................................37 4.2.6.2 Impact on Water................................................................................................................37 4.2.6.3 Impact on Air.....................................................................................................................38 4.2.6.4 Impact on Flora and Fauna..............................................................................................38 4.2.6.5 Impact on Land / Topography ..........................................................................................42 4.2.7 Compilation of Critical impacts on Elements of Landscape - Sannidhanam..........................43 4.3 Impacts on Pampa Area.................................................................................................... 44 4.3.1 Critical Landscape Features ......................................................................................................45 4.3.2 Density of Development..............................................................................................................45 IL&FS Ecosmart Ltd Master Plan for Sabarimala Landscape Module 4.3.3 Landuses at Pampa.....................................................................................................................46 4.3.4 Construction Typology................................................................................................................47 4.3.5 Services and Access Corridors Services ....................................................................................48 4.3.5.1 Pilgrim Access: .................................................................................................................48 4.3.5.2 Service Access:..................................................................................................................48 4.3.6 Impact of Activities and Space Usages on Critical Elements of the Landscape .......................49 4.3.6.1 Impact of Noise and Odour...............................................................................................51 4.3.6.2 Impact on Air Quality .......................................................................................................51 4.3.6.3 Impact on Water Quality...................................................................................................51 4.3.6.4 Impact on Flora and Fauna: ............................................................................................53 4.3.6.5 Impact on Land / Topography: .........................................................................................53 4.3.7 Compilation of Critical impacts on Elements of Landscape - Pampa ......................................54 4.4 Impacts on the Routes from Pampa to Sannidhanam.................................................... 55 4.4.1 Route Profile and Flow Characteristics.....................................................................................55 4.4.2 Landuses......................................................................................................................................57 4.4.3 Services, Route furniture and hardware.....................................................................................58 4.4.4 Impact of Activities and Space Usages on Critical Elements of the Landscape .......................58 4.4.4.1 Impact on Flora and Fauna..............................................................................................58 4.4.4.2 Impact on Land .................................................................................................................59 4.4.4.3 Other Activities and their Impacts....................................................................................61 4.5 Impacts on the Trek Route from Erumely to Pampa (Cheriyanavattom) ................... 62 4.5.1 Route Profile and Flow Characteristics.....................................................................................63 4.5.2 Landuses and Facilities ..............................................................................................................65 4.5.2.1 Thavalams and Facilities along the route:.......................................................................66