T’puram: The state human rights commission (SHRC) has directed the Manickal grama panchayat secretary to ensure inspections by various departments and obtain their no-objection certificates (NOCs) before renewing the licence of Happyland amusement park, where tourists were seriously injured after a swing chair ride collapsed.SHRC chairperson Justice Alexander Thomas has directed the panchayat to obtain NOCs from electrical inspectorate, fire and rescue services, public works department, structural stability authorities and food safety department every year before renewing the park’s licence.The panel also directed the panchayat secretary to ensure the fitness of all rides and, if necessary, seek the assistance of an assistant engineer from the mechanical wing of PWD while inspecting the park for renewal of its operating licence. The inspection must ensure that the machinery used in the rides has no signs of deterioration or cracks.In view of an earlier drowning incident at the park’s swimming pool, SHRC also directed to ensure that adequate safety measures were in place to prevent further accidents.The commission further directed the police to complete the probe into Crime No. 520/2026 registered by Venjaramoodu Police in connection with the ride collapse and file a final chargesheet before the court at the earliest, if the investigation was still pending.In its order, the commission observed that prolonged use and ageing of the machinery at the bottom of the ride had caused deterioration, with cracks detected in the weld joints. It said inadequate maintenance could have contributed to the accident.The commission stressed that the panchayat should not fail in its responsibility to ensure public safety.The action was taken in a suo motu case registered by the commission based on newspaper reports about the accident on May 28, 2026, in which the swing chair ride at Happyland amusement park collapsed, leaving visitors seriously injured.
About The Author
