Activists protest floating bridge reinstallation

Thiruvananthapuram: A highly controversial floating sea bridge, previously declared illegal and the near cause of a major tragedy, has resurfaced at Varkala Papanasam Beach. This same structure collapsed on March 9, 2024, injuring 15 people who fell into the sea. Despite this incident and clear official directives prohibiting such installations, the bridge is being rebuilt without essential safety measures.
Joy Water Sports, a private contractor based in Adimalathura, has reinstalled the bridge, claiming it is for a ‘trial run and study purpose,' pending inspection by a National Institute of Technology (NIT) Kozhikode team. A temporary notice board at the site echoes this explanation. The contractor maintains the move was based on orders from the District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC) and the district administration.
However, this claim contradicts previous instructions from the district collector and the DTPC, which banned all beach activities on the left side of Papanasam Beach---an area known for rough sea conditions and ecological vulnerability. These restrictions were implemented after a series of safety incidents and environmental warnings.
The DTPC's Dec 7, 2024, guidelines mandate that beach zones be clearly segregated for sacrificial rituals, swimming, and water sports. Contractors must submit full documentation, including insurance for both staff and tourists. They are also fully liable for any disputes or accidents arising from their operations.
Environmental activists have strongly opposed the reinstallation. Sanjeev SJ, president of the Environmental Protection and Research Council, lodged formal complaints with both the police and the DTPC. He alleged that the contractor had shifted base from Adimalathura to Varkala after entering into a new agreement with DTPC. "Such unauthorized and hasty activities, under the garb of promoting tourism, have raised serious suspicions," he added.
He also expressed concerns that the contractor is being lauded for adventurous tourism initiatives at Varkala — potentially opening the door for more unsanctioned installations in the future. "It seems like an attempt to establish a new destination in a prime tourist spot, bypassing standard procedures," he added.
DTPC secretary Satheesh Miranda stated that the bridge has been assembled strictly for NIT inspection. "Tourist access is strictly prohibited for now. The bridge will be dismantled post-inspection unless it is certified safe," he clarified, adding that rough sea conditions had forced a location shift.
NIT's inspection will cover seven floating bridges and three glass bridges across Kerala, starting with Akkulam, followed by Vagamon and Wayanad. Previously, the Kerala Adventure Tourism Promotion Society and College of Engineering, Thiruvananthapuram conducted safety reviews after last year's incident.