A safe ride for kids as authorities up vigil

Thiruvananthapuram: The temporary amusement parks erected as part of Onam celebrations are usually a hit among children. However, the death of a five-year-old boy at Pathanamtitta last week has raised concerns for parents as well as authorities over the safety of the equipment.
A safety audit by TOI in the park set up on Kanakakunnu Palace premises found that the authorities have taken enough measures to comply with the safety aspects.
TOI has verified clearance certificates of chief electrical inspector, assistant divisional officer of fire and safety and structural stability certificate submitted by the contractor at the Museum police station. Until last year, the giant wheels at the carnivals were operated without even primary safety measures such as seat belts. "It is the first time an additional seat belt is attached to each of the passenger car suspended from steel ring. We have also stored a first aid box at each of the tents adjacent to the rides," said the operator of the giant wheel.
"We had given a notice to the contractor concerned to give the clearance certificate and insurance papers and it was submitted on time. After a visit to the venue, I noticed the lack of barricades which might pave way to accidents. The barricades have been put and the equipment are checked," said Sunil, sub-inspector at the Museum police station.
Contractors said that getting license was tougher this time. "We had had to face much difficulty in getting the clearance papers. The authorities were stricter this time. We have ensured ample protection while setting up the structures in the park," said Maheen, who obtained the contract for the temporary children's park at Kanakakunnu from tourism department through an auction.