Kerala: 80 pc of amusement park equipment at festivals found unsafe – Report

Alappuzha: The Kerala Home Department, in one of its reports, has found that 80 per cent of the equipment used in temporary amusement parks at festival venues is unsafe. In light of this finding, the government has directed the heads of local bodies to take necessary action accordingly.

Common attractions such as giant wheels, flying boats, and breakdance rides are frequently enjoyed by women, children, and the elderly. While no accidents have been reported in Kerala so far, the Home Department has urged extra caution during inspections and operations.

This action follows a complaint filed by a person named P. Muhammed during the Nava Kerala programme in Malappuram, addressed to the Chief Minister.

The Additional Director General of Police, Settlement Division, conducted an investigation and submitted the report. It concluded that 80 per cent of the equipment in such parks poses safety risks. Henceforth, a no-objection certificate (NOC) from the station house officer (SHO) of the local police station must be submitted to operate such parks.

Currently, the secretaries of local bodies issue operating permits for these parks. To obtain one, operators must already submit NOCs from the Kerala Fire and Rescue Services, Public Works Department, KSEB Engineer, and an adequate insurance cover certificate. Now, a police NOC has also been made mandatory.

The investigation also revealed large-scale tax evasion associated with the operation of amusement parks, prompting further scrutiny by the authorities.