Do we have accidents waiting to happen at every turn?
Thekkady tragedy in Kerala happened and now we learn the boat was not ‘water worthy’. It had serious ‘structural defects’. It did not have stability on water as it had a rightward inclination and the fiber used was poor quality. This is from a postmortem analysis from Shipping Technology of Cochin University.
The question to ask is, who tests these in the beginning and gives the boatman/ boat a ‘fitness’ certificate? Is it checked every now and then for ‘wear and tear’ by any organization?
How do unsuspecting tourists, both local and foreign who have come miles from their homes on a holiday know whether these boats are safe as they gingerly get in to one of these? Even if the boat is alright, are the boatmen well trained for the trip? Are the boats fitted with life-saving jackets which actually work? Are they trained in saving lives should a disaster were to occur midstream?
What about our Harigolu? When tourists even lean on one side it loses balance. Accidents have taken place in Sriranga patna, Thriveni sangama but still they are operating soliciting tourists. If accidents take place, do non-swimmers have any chance? There is no life jacket here.
What about Giant wheels shown in every Yathra and Exhibition. Who gives technical clearance, fitness certificate? Are these checked from time to time when they camp 6 months at a time?
Autorickshaws zoom around carrying children bursting at its seams all over India. Who gives ‘ permits’ or licenses, is it Local RTO or Traffic police? The schools apparently do not share any responsibility in this regard. Can rickshaws take the load with kids, their books, waterbottles dangling from everywhere. Has this been clarified by Rickshaw manufacturer? Most of the kids sit on a wooden strip designed and erected by the driver himself!
Chandigarh has banned auto rickshaws carrying children from Jan ‘09
http://www.topnews.in/chandigarh-bans-autorickshaw-ferrying-school-children-296110
When will other States do it? I hope one doesn’t take a view that this will affect drivers’ revenue and accidents do happen and cannot be prevented!
The same is true with maxi cabs on the way to a marriage loaded with villagers double the capacity before meeting a watery grave.
School buses driven sometimes, by a cleaner, falls into a lake.
‘Whose responsibility is this anyway?
Does it sum up our attitude all over?
Can something be done to stop this?
Any suggestions?
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