Children will not be permitted to take coracle rides in Hogenakkal once the coracle rides recommence here.
This rule, among a slew of other safety protocols, is being put in place by the district administration, before resumption of operations. Pleasure rides were brought to a halt after the tragedy on August 30 when a family of six drowned in a coracle capsize here.
In the wake of protests by coracle operators in Hogenakkal, calling for permission to restart operations since the tragedy, Collector K.Vivekanandan spoke to The Hindu , on the need for foolproof safety protocols before operations could commence.
The administration has worked out a three-tier safety protocol along with minor infrastructural facilities such as cloak room in Hogenakkal, says Mr.Vivekanandan.
A tourist coracle will be allowed to carry four plus one person including the driver, and will be equipped with floats.
The tourist coracle will be accompanied by another tourist coracle, and these two coracles will be followed by third ‘rescue’ coracle with four life guards solely deputed for rescue work.
The life guards will be attired in fluorescent uniforms for easy identification.
The third-tier of safety protocol entails ‘fixed lifeguards’ who will man the tip of the rocks and watch over the coracles with binoculars.
Children will not be allowed in coracles. A two-year-old and a 10-month-old baby were among the six killed in the coracle capsize in August.
In the past month, coracle operators were given exclusive training in rescue swimming post-the tragedy. “While all of them knew to swim, they had to be trained for rescue operations.”
The Collector said, the operations will have to commence soon, but with the necessary safety protocols. ‘We had chalked out conditions in consultation with the coracle operators.”
The operators had also asked for bathroom facility. “Since it’s a forest area, infrastructure additions should not infringe on forest laws. So, it’s taking time to put up the facilities,” the Collector said.
A cloak room is also being set up to house all belongings, including handbags, shoes, phones etc.
“Shoes could pull down swimming ability, and phones will not be permitted anymore.”
It was reported that the victims had attempted to take a selfie on the coracle causing the tragedy.
Similarly, now coracle operators are being examined by a medical team. “Blood checkups, ECG and vision tests are being conducted to vet their fitness.”
In the meantime, till the restart of operations, the coracle drivers, including their Families, were given the option to register for MNREGA, but they have not responded to the offer.
“We are aware of the livelihood concerns, and coracle operations will eventually start. But, not a single life should be lost again and hence we are careful about putting in place all systems of safety,” Mr. Vivekananda told The Hindu .
