Row erupts in Kerala over stop memo on temporary bridge for Thirunavaya ‘Maha Magha’ festival

Описание: A controversy has erupted in Kerala after revenue authorities issued a stop memo halting the construction of a temporary bridge across the Bharathapuzha river for the upcoming Thirunavaya ‘Maha Magha’ festival.

The bridge was being built for the Maha Magha festival scheduled from January 18 to February 3 on the sandbed near the historic Nava Mukunda Temple at Thirunavaya. Police said revenue authorities directed organisers to stop construction of the temporary bridge.

Organisers alleged the stop memo was issued at the final stage of construction to sabotage the festival, which they described as the “Kumbh Mela of Kerala.”

An order issued by the Thirunavaya Village Officer said the bridge construction involved encroachment upon the river and levelling of the riverbed using heavy machinery without permission, violating the Kerala River Banks and Regulation of Removal of Sand Act, 2001.

Senior BJP leader Kummanam Rajasekharan criticised the action, calling it illegal and a violation of religious freedom, and alleged a conspiracy to derail preparations just days before the event.

Swami Anandavanam Bharathi, a key organiser, said the Maha Magha mahotsavam will be conducted on a grand scale as planned. The festival is set at the historic Mamankam site on the Bharathapuzha riverbanks.

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