Master Plan for Sabarimala Infrastructure Module:Other Amenities and Services MASTER PLAN MODULES INFRASTRUCTURE MODULE Other Amenities and Services 1. BACKGROUND OF THE PROJECT ...................................................................................1 1.1 Introduction and Relevance................................................................................................1 1.2 Aims and Objectives ............................................................................................................1 1.3 Methodology.........................................................................................................................1 1.4 Scope of the Study................................................................................................................2 1.5 Structure of the Report .......................................................................................................2 2. EXISTING INFRASTRUCTURE AND PROJECTED DEMAND .....................................3 2.1 Health Care ..........................................................................................................................3 2.1.1 General Description ...................................................................................................................3 2.1.2 Infrastructure Available in the Region .......................................................................................4 2.1.3 Infrastructure Available at Sabarimala......................................................................................5 2.1.4 Health Staff Deployment and Other Arrangements during Season............................................6 2.1.5 Issues and Deficiencies...............................................................................................................6 2.1.6 Demand and Preferences of the Pilgrims...................................................................................7 2.2 Fire Fighting Services..........................................................................................................8 2.2.1 Infrastructure Available at Sabarimala......................................................................................8 2.2.2 Issues and Deficiencies...............................................................................................................8 2.2.3 Demand and Preferences ...........................................................................................................8 2.3 Energy (Including Electric Power and Fuels) ...................................................................8 2.3.1 Infrastructure Available in the Region .......................................................................................8 2.3.2 Electric Power............................................................................................................................9 2.3.2.1 Infrastructure Available at Sabarimala......................................................................9 2.3.2.2 Demand and Preferences..........................................................................................11 2.3.3 Fuel ..........................................................................................................................................11 2.3.3.1 Issues and Deficiencies.............................................................................................13 2.3.3.2 Demand and Preferences..........................................................................................13 2.4 Communications ................................................................................................................14 2.4.1 Infrastructure Available in the Region .....................................................................................14 2.4.1.1 Postal Service ...........................................................................................................14 2.4.1.2 Telecommunications .................................................................................................14 2.4.2 Infrastructure Available at Sabarimala....................................................................................14 2.4.2.1 Postal Service ...........................................................................................................15 2.4.2.2 Telecommunications .................................................................................................15 2.4.3 Issues and Deficiencies.............................................................................................................16 2.4.3.1 Postal Service ...........................................................................................................16 2.4.3.2 Telecommunications .................................................................................................16 2.4.4 Demand and Preferences .........................................................................................................17 2.4.4.1 Postal Service:..........................................................................................................17 2.4.4.2 Telecommunications:................................................................................................17 2.5 Commercial Activity..........................................................................................................17 2.5.1 Introduction..............................................................................................................................17 2.5.2 Hierarchy of Commercial Activities at Sabarimala .................................................................25 2.5.2.1 Formal Retail Trade Areas.......................................................................................25 2.5.2.2 Informal Retail Trade Area.......................................................................................28 2.5.3 Commercial Area Characteristics............................................................................................29 IL&FS Ecosmart Ltd Master Plan for Sabarimala Infrastructure Module:Other Amenities and Services 2.5.3.1 Site Characteristics...................................................................................................29 2.5.3.2 Built up Area Characteristics ...................................................................................29 2.5.3.3 Personals/Staff Associated with Commercial Other Service Activities.....................30 2.5.3.4 Distribution of Shops by Type...................................................................................30 2.5.4 Major Issues .............................................................................................................................33 2.6 Accommodation .................................................................................................................33 2.6.1 Introduction..............................................................................................................................33 2.6.2 Accommodation Provided at Sabarimala.................................................................................34 2.6.2.1 Sannidhanam ............................................................................................................34 2.6.2.2 Pampa.......................................................................................................................40 2.6.2.3 Trek route from Erumely to Pampa ..........................................................................42 2.6.2.4 Nilakkal.....................................................................................................................44 2.6.2.5 Erumely.....................................................................................................................45 2.6.3 Issues ........................................................................................................................................45 2.6.3.1 Facility/ Service Dependency ...................................................................................45 2.6.4 Accommodation Assessment Criteria .......................................................................................46 2.6.4.1 Duration of Stay of Pilgrim ......................................................................................47 2.6.4.2 Pilgrim Group size....................................................................................................47 2.6.4.3 Demand for Accommodation ....................................................................................49 2.6.4.4 Land Availability ......................................................................................................49 2.6.5 Accommodation Need Assessment............................................................................................49 2.6.5.1 At Sannidhanam........................................................................................................49 2.6.5.2 At Pampa ..................................................................................................................49 2.6.5.3 At Nilakkal ................................................................................................................50 2.6.5.4 Along Erumely Pampa Trek Route ...........................................................................51 2.6.5.5 At Erumely ................................................................................................................51 2.7 Police ...................................................................................................................................51