A controversy has erupted in Kerala over the naming of the historic Muvattupuzha bridge, a key landmark in the heart of the town. The dispute began when local authorities installed a new name board, labeling the recently renovated bridge as Kacherithazham bridge.
Residents and Leaders Object to Name Change
Residents and local leaders have strongly objected to the change, demanding that the bridge retain its original and well-known name: Muvattupuzha bridge. Municipal councillor Rajasree Raju stated, "There is a concerted effort to distort history. For over a century, it has been famously known as Muvattupuzha bridge. Suddenly changing its name will result in it losing its importance." According to her, residents and local action councils have held a protest march demanding the reinstatement of the original name.
Historical Significance of the Bridge
The 105-metre-long structure serves as a vital link connecting Kacherithazham, the town's commercial heart, to Nehru Park and the suburbs of Velloorkunnam and Vazhappilly. Built in 1914 during the reign of Maharaja Sree Moolam Thirunal, the bridge holds the distinction of being the state's first arch-shaped concrete bridge. It was designed by British engineer V H Emerald and was considered a marvel of its time. To quell local fears about its stability upon completion, legend has it that the engineer and his family sat in a boat beneath the arches while 15 elephants were marched across the top to prove its strength.
Renovation and Ongoing Dispute
The dispute ignited after the Public Works Department and the Archaeology Department, which oversees the bridge as a heritage monument, completed a Rs 1.65 crore renovation. Resident Sreejith P S lamented, "The bridge is synonymous with the town of Muvattupuzha itself, and renaming it after a specific locality like Kacherithazham diminishes its iconic status." The controversy continues as locals demand the restoration of the bridge's original name, emphasizing its historical and cultural importance to the region.
