Author : Nimmy Kurian
Abstract : Erumeli Panchayat in Kottayam district has an inevitable role in Sabarimala pilgrimage as it hosts Pettathullal which is an important ritual for kanni Ayyappas. The traditional trek route to Sabarimala starts from here, thus Erumeli is a major center for Sabarimala pilgrims. Sabarimala master plan also identifies Erumeli to be developed as a major base camp. The present study focuses on the developmental strategies of Erumeli in two perspectives-as a Local Self Government and a pilgrimage base camp. Developments in this area have to be interlinked with the pilgrim activities and local needs without disturbing both. Study aims at identifying regional issues of native population as well as pilgrims and also addresses the impact of Sabarimala pilgrimage and a perspective planning solution to bring out a balanced condition of pilgrim and local population development involving residential participation in pilgrim management.
Keywords : Erumeli, Sabarimala Pilgrimage, Sustainable Development, Population Development
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