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Under existing rules, a multi-departmental committee of officers is constituted before any amusement ride is installed, and individual No-Objection Certificates (NOCs) are issued only after thorough inspections by experts from concerned departments.
Surajkund Mela Accident: NOC under scanner as probe report raises questions
Faridabad: Serious questions are being raised over the investigation report submitted by the committee probing the ride collapse accident at the Surajkund Mela. Under existing rules, a multi-departmental committee of officers is constituted before any amusement ride is installed, and individual No-Objection Certificates (NOCs) are issued only after thorough inspections by experts from concerned departments.
It is claimed that these officers are technical experts and that the committee conducts daily inspections of the rides. Only after the committee’s approval are rides permitted to operate. This has now led to a crucial question: what did the inspection report submitted on the Saturday morning of the accident actually state?
If any defect had been detected, why was the ride allowed to operate? And if the inspection report showed the ride to be safe, how did such a serious accident occur? Officials have so far failed to give a direct and clear response to these questions. This ambiguity has led to allegations that the latest inspection report is being deliberately kept under wraps.
Allegations of Fabricated Inspection Reports
Sources allege that inspection reports are often prepared mechanically and, in some cases, even fabricated. Had the inspections been conducted honestly and officers physically verified the ride, any technical fault would likely have been detected in time, preventing the ride from operating and averting the accident. The evasive responses from officials have only deepened suspicions and raised doubts about the integrity of the inspection process.
CM Orders Fresh Safety Review
In the aftermath of the accident, Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini has issued strict directions to ensure full compliance with safety norms at fairs and public events. He has ordered a comprehensive review of the technical inspections, fitness certifications, and operational mechanisms of all rides and equipment, and has sought a detailed report from the concerned departments.
New Five-Member Committee Formed
Following the Chief Minister’s directions, a new five-member inquiry committee has been constituted under the chairmanship of the Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC). The committee will investigate the causes of the accident and will also scrutinize the inspection reports submitted by the earlier committee that conducted daily ride inspections.
The members of the committee include:
As per established guidelines, several safety checks are mandatory before installing any amusement ride. These include inspection of the site, entry and exit points, and structural integrity. A fitness certificate from a mechanical engineer or a designated government agency is compulsory, along with a No-Objection Certificate from the Fire Department.
Electrical wiring and connections must be certified by an electrical inspector. Ride operators are required to obtain third-party insurance to cover potential accidents, with full responsibility for compensation resting on the operator in case of mishaps.
Clear display boards showing height and age restrictions, along with safety instructions in Hindi and English, are mandatory. First-aid kits and emergency stop buttons must also be available at every ride.
Officials Part of the Pre-Installation Inspection Committee
The inspection committee responsible for granting approval before ride installation included:
Despite the presence of multiple technical experts, the accident has raised serious doubts about the effectiveness, transparency, and accountability of the inspection mechanism.
