E Sreedharan, revered as the “Metro Man” for his pivotal role in transforming urban transit systems in India, has taken a significant legal step by filing a public interest litigation (PIL) at the Kerala High Court. The litigation challenges the proposed construction of the Thiruvanaya-Thavanur bridge across the Bharathapuzha River, emphasising concerns over the potential disruption to Hindu religious sites and cultural heritage.
Sreedharan’s PIL is centered around the impact of the proposed bridge alignment on the sacred geography of the region. The bridge is set to span the Bharathapuzha River, dividing the Vishnu Temple at Thiruvanaya on the north bank from the Shiva and Brahma Temples at Thavanur on the south bank. These temples form a significant religious triad, deeply revered by the local Hindu community. The current bridge alignment, Sreedharan argues, would physically split this Holy Trinity, disrupting religious practices and diminishing the spiritual cohesion that binds these sites.
The Vishnu Temple at Thiruvanaya and the Shiva and Brahma Temples at Thavanur are integral to the spiritual landscape of Kerala. The Vishnu Temple, with its historic rituals and festivals, and the temples at Thavanur, which are also prominent pilgrimage sites, are bound by centuries of religious tradition. The proposed bridge’s alignment threatens to sever this sacred connection, potentially hurting the sentiments of countless devotees.
Sreedharan’s petition further highlights that the current bridge alignment risks encroaching upon the samadhi (resting place) of K Kelappan, a revered freedom fighter often hailed as the “Kerala Gandhi.” Kelappan’s samadhi is a site of historical importance and cultural reverence, especially among the Hindu community. The proposed construction could undermine the sanctity of this site, adding to the religious and cultural concerns surrounding the project.
The Bharathapuzha River, often referred to as “Dakshina Ganga” or the Ganges of the South, holds immense spiritual value for Hindus in the region. The river and its banks have been the backdrop for numerous religious rituals and cultural activities over the centuries. The intrusion of a major infrastructure project without careful consideration of these sacred elements could lead to significant discontent among the local Hindu population.
Sreedharan, who has been instrumental in major projects like the Konkan Railway and Delhi Metro, argues that the current bridge design is not only unscientific but also economically imprudent. His petition details alternative proposals that could address the religious concerns while also providing engineering solutions that are both practical and cost-effective.
One key suggestion from Sreedharan is to shift the southern edge of the bridge by 200 meters. This adjustment aims to avoid disturbing the temples and the historical samadhi, thereby preserving the religious and cultural sanctity of the area. Sreedharan asserts that this modification would not only protect the spiritual heritage but also reduce the overall construction costs. His offer to provide technical assistance free of charge underscores his commitment to resolving the issue in a manner that respects both engineering principles and religious sensitivities.
Despite his efforts, including letters sent in 2022 to the Chief Minister of Kerala, the Minister of Public Works Department (PWD), and the Minister of Tourism, Sreedharan has yet to receive a response. His attempts to engage with the government and offer solutions have not been acknowledged, prompting him to seek judicial intervention.
At the initial hearing, the state government defended the current alignment, noting that piling work for the bridge had already commenced and resources had been mobilised on-site. The government argued that no temple properties were being acquired and claimed that Sreedharan’s petition was an attempt to obstruct ongoing developmental activities. The focus of the government’s defense was on the logistical necessity of the bridge and the progress already made.
The Division Bench of the Kerala High Court, consisting of Acting Chief Justice A Muhamed Mustaque and Justice S Manu, directed the state to file a statement by September 9, 2024, addressing the concerns raised in Sreedharan’s petition. The court has not yet decided whether to admit the plea but has indicated that it will first assess whether there is genuine public interest involved.
