How a school student’s letter brought a new Vellappally bridge to life in Alappuzha

Alappuzha: Pride and excitement lit up Akash’s face as he stepped onto the newly constructed Vellappally Bridge, now equipped with service roads and proper surfacing.
The memory of crossing the old, rickety footbridge with broken handrails still sends a shiver down his spine. It was that very fear and concern that led him, as a young student, to take action. Through a heartfelt letter, Akash brought the bridge’s dilapidated condition to the attention of authorities, setting in motion the construction of the new structure.

Akash Joseph Johny, son of John Robert and Mary Sherly of Panakkal House in PH Ward, was in class 9 at Leo Thirteenth School at the time. A member of the Manorama Nalla Padam Club, he wrote to Alappuzha Sub-Collector V R Krishna Teja, addressing him as “uncle” and highlighting the unsafe condition of the bridge. The official promptly visited the site to assess the situation.

Not stopping there, Akash also raised the issue with the then Municipal Chairman, Illikkal Kunjumon, during the “Hello Chairman” event organised by Malayala Manorama, even speaking to him over the phone to explain the risks posed by the old bridge. While action was promised at the time, no follow-up occurred.

When Krishna Teja assumed office as District Collector, Akash reminded him of the matter once again. This time, action followed swiftly. The Collector informed Akash that Rs 3 crore had been allocated for constructing a new bridge.

As construction work progressed over the next two years, Akash frequently visited the site, eagerly watching the bridge take shape. Today, he expresses heartfelt gratitude to Collector Krishna Teja and the Manorama Nalla Padam Club for turning the dream of the new Vellappally Bridge into reality.