Kerala Authorities Halt Bridge Construction for Maha Magha Festival Amid Legal Dispute

A controversy has arisen in Kerala after revenue authorities issued a stop memo halting construction of a temporary bridge on the Bharathapuzha river for the Maha Magha festival at Thirunavaya, scheduled from January 18 to February 3. Officials cited violations of the Kerala River Banks and Regulation of Removal of Sand Act, 2001. Organisers, including BJP leaders, alleged the move was unjustified and aimed at sabotaging the festival, which they compare to the Kumbh Mela. The government has been accused of delaying permissions and creating obstacles, while authorities maintain the halt was due to legal concerns over river encroachment.