Thirunavaya Kumbh Mela: High Court orders to ensure security of temporary bridges 

KOCHI: The High Court has directed to ensure the safety of the temporary bridges built across the Bharathapuzha river as part of the Thirunavaya Mahamagha Mahotsava Kumbh Mela. An inspection should be conducted today under the leadership of the Executive Engineer of the Public Works Department in Tirur and the District Police Chief to ensure security arrangements. A representative of the festival committee should also be present. If any action is required, the committee should complete it within two days, Justice C. Jayachandran ordered.

If any government agency is required for the process, the district collector should ensure it. The district collector's instructions related to waste management, green protocol and environmental protection should be followed. The festival, which began on the 19th of this month, will conclude on February 3. The case will be considered again on the 27th.

The authorities had issued a stop memo on January 8, alleging that the bridge was built by encroaching on government land without permission and that the riverbank was levelled. However, the court intervened, considering the importance and safety of the event, which will be attended by about one million devotees and more than 30,000 sanyasins. The organisers announced that they would fully cooperate with the measures to ensure security. They also explained that medical facilities have been arranged.

The court was considering a petition filed by General Convener M.K. Vinayakumar, questioning the notice issued by the Village Officer stopping construction activities as part of the Mahamagha Mahotsavam.