Realign bridge to avoid hurting Hindu sentiments: E Sreedharan moves Kerala High Court

Engineer, E Sreedharan (popularly known as 'metro man' for his contributions to the development of the Delhi Metro) has filed a plea before the Kerala High Court raising concerns about socio-religious issues that may ensue due to the unscientific alignment of a bridge being constructed across the Bharathapuzha river [E Sreedharan v State of Kerala & ors]..According to his petition, the current alignment of the proposed bridge would divide a holy trinity of temples on the banks of the Bharathapuzha, namely the Vishnu temple at Thirunavaya on the north bank, and the Shiva and Brahma temples on the south bank at Thavanur.He has also argued that the present bridge plan is unscientific, in breach of principles of engineering and likely to disturb historical structures such as the samadhi (resting place) of freedom fighter K Kelappan, revered as 'Kerala Gandhi.'.A Bench comprising Acting Chief Justice A Muhamed Mustaque and Justice S Manu declined to admit the plea today, but sought the State's stance on the issue. The government pleader submitted that the piling work for the bridge had already begun and that the contractor has mobilized resources on the site. Moreover, no temple property had been acquired in the process and the petition was simply an attempt to obstruct ongoing developmental activities, the State maintained. The Court expressed it would first examine if there was any genuine public interest involved in the matter before admitting the plea. "We are not admitting the matter, let the government file a statement. We will look into whether any public interest is involved", the Bench said..Sreedharan's plea has raised concerns over the technical, legal, and religious implications of the proposed bridge's construction. In particular, he has highlighted that the proposed bridge may impact the area's religious and cultural heritage."The attempt of the Respondents (State authorities) to proceed with construction of the bridge connecting Thirunavaya and Thanavur by following a non-conventional skew alignment destroying the Smrithi mandapam of Kerala Gandhi Shri. K Kelappan and the other historical structures and violating the sanctity of the Holy Trinity temples situated in the banks of Bharathapuzha, ignoring the alternative and feasible proposal saving the State exchequer by reducing the cost of construction, is highly unjust and illegal," the plea said. To address these concerns and avoid sensitive areas, Sreedharan had proposed shifting the bridge's southern edge by 200 meters.Sreedharan added that he offered technical assistance free of cost to the State on this issue and had also submitted a letter to the Chief Minister of Kerala and the PWD (Public Works Department) Minister in 2022. Despite his efforts, he did not receive any response.Aggrieved, Sridharan moved the Court for relief and urged it to direct the State to consider his proposal to realign the proposed bridge.He pointed out that the State government failed to properly consider that Sreedharan’s alternate design could also reduce the length of the bridge, making it more stable and practical..The Court has directed the State to file a statement on the issue by September 9, after which it will decide whether to admit the plea..Sreedharan is represented by advocates Sajith Kumar V, Vivek AV, and Sreehari VS..[Read Order]