Punalur: The demand for surveillance cameras along the riverbanks and on the Punalur bridge has intensified following a rise in suicides and the increasing recovery of dead bodies from the Kallada and Mukkadavu rivers. The latest incident involved 65-year-old Chacko, from Bejoy Bhavan, Nallamkulam, in Vettithitta, who went missing after reportedly jumping into the Mukkadavu river yesterday. His body was recovered by evening.

Over the past three years, twelve people have died by suicide, jumping into the Kallada river from the large bridge near the hanging bridge. In addition, several individuals have gone missing from various bathing ghats, including those at the Punalur DTPC, near the KSRTC depot, Puthiyidam Sree Krishna Swami Temple, Muhoorthykavu, Thrikkotheshwaram Mahadevar Temple, Aikkarakonam, and Chengulam. There have also been multiple suicide attempts at these locations.

The installation of surveillance cameras in these areas is now being seen as crucial to help determine the exact cause of death when bodies are recovered. Despite the growing concern, no action has been taken regarding the demand for metal netting along the handrails of the large bridge in Punalur. Such netting could also be installed on either side of the hanging bridge to prevent potential suicides.

A disturbing incident last year saw a woman from Kakkod jumping from the hanging bridge, a moment captured by photographers. Additionally, there are two bathing ghats on either side of the Mukkadavu bridge, further raising concerns about safety and the need for preventive measures.