Kochi Corporation issues stop memo to flower show on its final day in wake of Uma Thomas accident

Kochi: In the wake of MLA Uma Thomas’ accident at Kaloor Stadium, the Kochi Corporation has taken action against events conducted without adhering to safety guidelines. A stop memo notice has been issued to the ongoing flower show in Kochi, citing non-compliance with safety norms.

However, the flower show organisers told Mathrubhumi.com that they have not received such a stop memo. Instead, they mentioned receiving a letter related to the fitness of the pavilion structure, which they claim has been addressed.

The flower show, organised jointly by Horticorp and GCDA, began on December 22 and is scheduled to conclude on January 2. The Corporation issued the stop memo stating that the event had failed to meet safety standards.

Recently, a young woman from Palluruthy was injured after falling from a platform at the flower show. She suffered fractures in both arms and is undergoing treatment at a private hospital following surgery. In light of this incident, the Corporation’s Engineering
Department issued the stop memo to the flower show, emphasising non-compliance with safety norms.

‘Kochi has become a city where anyone can do anything unchecked’: Corporation Opposition leader

“The flower show is being held right under the Corporation’s nose, yet they only identified the lack of safety standards a day before the event’s conclusion. Kochi is turning into a city where anyone can do as they please. All these issues should have been inspected and ensured before the event began. This is a major lapse on the Corporation’s part. The stop memo was issued on Wednesday, and subsequently, a woman fell and suffered severe injuries on the platform. Strict legal action must be taken against those conducting events without adhering to safety norms,” said Antony Kureethara, the Opposition Leader in Kochi Corporation.