Swadeshi Darshan: Work in progress at Sree Padmanabhaswamy temple | Times of India
Thiruvananthapuram: If everything goes as planned, the National Swadeshi Darshanscheme is expected to give a major facelift to the heritage precincts of Sree Padmanabhaswamy Templehere. Of the total fund of Rs 99.44 crore for three temples in Kerala, a major share of Rs 78.5 crore is set aside for development of Padmanabhaswamy Temple.
KSEB has approved the tender for underground cable (UC) work at an expenditure of Rs 20 crore. Now, work for laying the drainage slabs, multi-purpose ducts and pathway works are on at the temple.
“As part of the Central government supported Swadeshi Darshan scheme, KSEB has approved the tender for UG cabling work which would incur Rs 20 crore. This being the work on the precincts of a place of worship, KSEB has approved and assured to take it up,” said temple executive officer V Ratheesan.
Of the Rs 15 crore received from the Centre for the works as part of Swadeshi Darshan scheme, it was divided between Housing Board and Nirmithi Kendra to take up renovation works in the temple precincts, he said. On the development of the four nadas or entries, the Nambi priest’s pathway, sheltered walkway, projecting roof eaves will be constructed retaining trees along the sides.
The temple pond cleansing work has also begun as part of the project. This centrally supported project to develop infrastructure around the temple precincts is entrusted with the Nirmithi Kendra and Housing Board here and routed through the Union tourism and culture ministry.
“The drainage works at the north entry gate and the west entry gate of the temple is on, the slabs are laid. Now drainage works at all along the periphery and other entry gates of the temple will be carried out. The Nambi pathway laying works including levelling sides and laying the stones retaining the heritage specifications is also on,” said temple senior finance officer Udayabhanu Kandeth.
“As of now, we have received Rs 15.71 crore for the works at Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple and another Rs 20 crore is expected to be released soon,” he said.
Of the total project cost of Rs 78.55 crore for Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Rs 30.27 crore is for the work at East nada entry of temple, Rs 10.63 crore for West nada, Rs 13.48 crore for North nada and Rs 21.56 crore for South nada and a contingency grant of Rs 2.28 crore.
