Sreedharan Proposes Bridge Realignment to Protect Religious and Historical Sites
E Sreedharan, renowned for his role in developing the Delhi Metro and commonly referred to as the ‘Metro Man,’ has approached the Kerala High Court with a plea concerning the construction of a bridge across the Bharathapuzha River. In his petition, Sreedharan raised concerns over the bridge’s current alignment, arguing that it is not only unscientific but also risks causing socio-religious tensions by dividing a sacred trio of temples located along the riverbanks [E Sreedharan v. State of Kerala & Ors].
According to Sreedharan, the proposed bridge will split a revered alignment of three temples: the Vishnu temple at Thirunavaya on the river’s north bank, and the Shiva and Brahma temples at Thavanur on the south bank. He also pointed out that the construction could damage historical landmarks, including the samadhi (resting place) of K Kelappan, a celebrated freedom fighter often referred to as the ‘Kerala Gandhi.’
A division bench comprising Acting Chief Justice A Muhamed Mustaque and Justice S Manu, while declining to immediately admit the petition, asked the Kerala government to respond to Sreedharan’s concerns. The government argued that construction work had already begun, with piling in progress and resources mobilized on site. It also contended that no temple properties were acquired, and that the petition seemed intended to hinder developmental progress.
The Court emphasized that before admitting the plea, it would first determine whether the case involved any significant public interest. “We are not admitting the matter yet. Let the government file a statement. We will look into whether there is any public interest involved,” the Bench remarked.
Sreedharan’s plea has brought to the forefront the potential legal, technical, and religious implications of the bridge’s current alignment. His primary concern is that the current plan could harm the cultural and religious sanctity of the area. He also noted that the proposed bridge, by following a skewed alignment, could disrupt the historic Smrithi Mandapam of K Kelappan and other heritage structures.
“The State authorities’ attempt to proceed with the bridge construction using a skewed alignment—destroying the Smrithi Mandapam of Kerala Gandhi Shri K Kelappan and violating the sanctity of the Holy Trinity temples on the banks of Bharathapuzha, while ignoring an alternative, more cost-effective alignment—is both unjust and illegal,” Sreedharan’s plea stated.
Sreedharan had suggested shifting the southern edge of the bridge by 200 meters to avoid these sensitive areas. He had even offered his technical expertise to the State government free of cost, submitting a letter to the Kerala Chief Minister and the Public Works Department Minister in 2022. Despite his efforts, he received no response, leading him to move the court.
Sreedharan further emphasized that his alternative design would not only preserve the religious and historical landmarks but also reduce the length of the bridge, making it more cost-efficient and structurally stable.
The High Court has directed the State to submit its statement by September 9, after which it will decide whether to admit the petition.
(With inputs from agency)
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