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

• A controversy has erupted in Kerala over revenue authorities halting the construction of a temporary bridge for the 'Maha Magha' festival.
• The festival, dubbed the 'Kumbh Mela of Kerala', is scheduled from January 18 to February 3 near Nava Mukunda Temple in Thirunavaya.
• Organizers allege the stop memo, issued at the final stage, is a conspiracy to sabotage the event, despite prior applications for permission.
• Revenue authorities cited violation of the Kerala River Banks and Regulation of Removal of Sand Act, 2001, due to encroachment and riverbed levelling.
• BJP leader Kummanam Rajasekharan criticized the move as illegal and a violation of religious freedom, pointing out officials previously raised no objections.

Why It Matters: A temporary bridge for Kerala's 'Kumbh Mela' festival was halted, sparking a row over alleged sabotage and environmental regulations.