Studies have warned that extensive concreting of the forest land here would threaten the stability of the soil system, leading to land slips. However, the TDB seems to be little concerned and is going ahead with the works under the pretext of providing more facilities.

The sixth study report submitted by the Assembly Subject Panel on Environment to the government on the shelved Rudravanam Project had categorically stated that any further development works at Sabarimala should be based on a collective study by a panel comprising the Centre for Earth and Science Studies (CESS), Kerala Forest Research Institute and Terrain Value experts.

Another study conducted by the Kerala Sasthra Sahitya Parishad(KSSP) had warned the TDB against concreting the forest land. According to the report, the distributive water percolation system was absent in the immediate vicinity of the temple due to extensive concrete flooring which can result in landslides, the report warned.

The TDB had concreted five-acres of land in Pampa just before this season, spending over Rs 1 crore. And four km of the trekking path was also concreted. It is also proposed to erect a couple of buildings at the Sannidhanam soon. On Swamy Ayyappan road, the narrow path is flanked by 20 to 30 feet high vertical mounts. It may be recalled that a slight slip of a mount not more than five-feet high at the hill-top and the subsequent stampede in Pampa had claimed 52 lives on Makaravilakku day last year.

The Swamy Ayyappan road, developed decades back, is yet another instance which proves how unscientifically the development works in Sabarimala progresses.