Demolition of Keezhmad bridge stayed

KOCHI: The Kerala High Court’s decision to stay the demolition of a bridge at Keezhmad Panchayat brought the high drama at Keezhmad to close. Trouble ensued in the region with the Panchayat’s decision to demolish a privately owned iron bridge here.The bridge was constructed in 2008 during the tenure of the previous Panchayat council. The present council alleged that the said bridge did not have a permit and hence it obtained an order from the collector to demolish the bridge.A section of the local population opposed the decision on the grounds that it will hinder their transportation. But the Panchayat members continued their move and marched towards the bridge. But in a bizarre twist, it was found that the collector had given permission for demolition of a different bridge,which is an old, dilapidated, concrete bridge which runs parallel to the controversial iron bridge.The Panchayat soon rushed to the collector for a redress. But in the meantime the opposition party had obtained an order from the high Court placing a stay order on the demolition."Now it all depends on the court’s decision”, said S P Harshitha Attaloori.