Kerala Bridge Row: Kumbh Mela Construction Halted, Organizers Allege Sabotage

• Construction of a temporary bridge for the Maha Magha festival (Kerala's 'Kumbh Mela') across the Bharathapuzha river at Thirunavaya, Malappuram, has been halted by revenue authorities.
• Authorities cited violation of the Kerala River Banks and Regulation of Removal of Sand Act, 2001, stating that the riverbed was levelled using heavy machinery without prior approval.
• Festival organizers claim they submitted permission applications and work began only after that, alleging the stop memo was issued deliberately to disrupt the event.
• BJP leader Kummanam Rajasekharan criticized the move as illegal and a violation of religious freedom, accusing the administration of a conspiracy to sabotage the festival.
• Despite the halt, organizers affirmed that the Maha Magha mahotsavam, scheduled from January 18 to February 3, will proceed as planned.

Why It Matters: Kerala faces controversy as authorities halt a temporary bridge for a major festival, sparking protests and political criticism.