Consultancy report sparks protest

A consultancy report by public sector Kerala State Industrial Consultancy Organisation (KITCO) on the proposed Aranmula airport in Kerala has suggested altering of certain structures of the ancient Parthasarathy temple at Aranmula, sparking protests from devotees and locals.
The report, excerpts of which have come out in local media, has provided further ammunition to the ongoing campaign against the project by groups who argue that it posed a severe threat not only to the ecosystem but also to the cultural heritage of the area.
Promoters of the airport, KGS Aranumula Airport Company, however, denied that the project would pose any threat to the famed temple by causing alteration to its structure.

A study conducted by public sector Kerala State Industrial Consultancy Organisation (KITCO) said the flag mast of the temple has to be lowered by 2.1 metres for the safety of the flights landing and taking off the airport.
It also wanted the height of the four hills around the temple to be lowered as they could pose objection to the approach surface constructions to the runway.
Reacting to the reports, the temple advisory committee said local people and devotees would not allow any alteration to the temple and its surrounding environs.

"The temple mast is built in accordance with the traditional vasthu concept and its alteration is not possible", the Aranmula temple advisory committee secretary R Geethakrishnan told PTI.

"Similarly, the hills surrounding the shrine are closely assoicated with the shrine's history and legends and held sacred by the devotees," he said.
Aranmula Hertiage Village Protection Council leader Kummanam Rajasekharan said any attempt to implement reports of KITCO would be resisted in all seriousness.
"Faith, heritage and cultural traditions of people are vital. Government should clarify whether it stood for safeguarding the sentiments of the people in the area or the interests of the promoters of the airport project," Rajasekharan, who is associated with pro-RSS outfits, said in a statement.
The ongoing campaign against the airport has received the support of vast sections of the local community, cutting across religious and political barriers.