Kerala Festival Bridge Construction Halted Amidst Controversy Over River Act Violations

A controversy has emerged in Kerala over a stop memo halting the construction of a temporary bridge for the 'Maha Magha' festival. Revenue authorities cited violations of the Kerala River Banks Act, including river encroachment and unauthorized use of heavy machinery. Organizers allege sabotage, stating they had submitted permission applications and that work was stopped abruptly in the final stages. BJP leader Kummanam Rajasekharan criticized the move as illegal and a violation of religious freedom, questioning why objections weren't raised earlier.