If there is a lesson to be learnt from the Sunday’s Bada Talab boating tragedy it is that if sufficient safety measures are not taken then the disaster could strike any time.
looking at the keen interest of the Ranchities in boating many recreation parks have developed boating facility for the visitors but the irony is that none of the boating centres are fully equipped with safety measures. Kanke Dam which is a part of Rock garden, developed for the recreation of the visitors by introducing boating facility has no lifejackets. Around 5,000 people visits the garden everyday and majority of them avail the boating but neither they are provided life jacket nor accompanied by any diver.
When the concerned staff of the agency that is responsible for running the boating services regarding facility available for any causality, on the condition of anonymity they replied, “We are neither provided with life jackets nor have any expert swimmer. In short, the agency has no back up for protecting the people from any untoward incidents.” Not only, Kanke Dam but other popular theme parks like Fun Castle also share the same story. Once can enjoy boating facility but at their own risk. The authorities are least bother regarding safety measures of the visitors.
“We do not feel the need of appointing an expert swimmer or providing life jackets as the water level is not deep enough. Moreover, till date no casualty has been witnessed in the park. Our boats are in good condition and we regular monitor its condition,” added a staff of ‘Fun Castle’ who wished not to reveal his name.
Meanwhile, a wave of fear has circulated among the city residents with the recent death incident. People feel that these boating centers must provide sufficient safety measures to the visitors. A local resident Seema Gupta said, “It is strange and surprising to find that basic safety measures of providing life jackets are missing. The concerned agency should look into the matter seriously and take concrete step in this direction.”