The study reports by KITCO and the Airports Authority of India had stated that signal lights should be fixed on the mast and the height of the mast be reduced to 23.7 metres from 30.8 metres and the gopuram be shifted 285 metres away from its present location.
The Devaswom Ombudsman in a submission made before the Kerala High Court pointed out that these suggestions are made since the authorities have no idea of the temple structure and importance of the flagmast.
The Ombudsman stated that the airport proposed in the private sector is already under severe criticism from environmentalists.
Both the reports recommended levelling of the hills around the proposed airport project and if these kind of hindrances are removed, there is an unlimited scope for the development on the northern side of the project. “The suggestion to demolish the hills nearby is also objectionable. It is my duty to bring to the notice of the Kerala High Court that serious problem may arise if the authorities are not told at this juncture itself that reduction of height of flagmast and shifting of gopuram which are made according to Tantric rules are out of question,” the Ombudsman submitted.
The High Court Devaswom Bench will consider the report in its next sitting.