Child rights panel orders Malampuzha ropeway safety review

The Kerala State Commission for Protection of Child Rights has directed officials to inspect the safety measures of the cable car at Malampuzha Garden following complaints about inadequate facilities in its glass-enclosed cabins.

Commission chairman KV Manoj Kumar issued the order while chairing the session held at the Collectorate conference hall on Thursday.

The complaint stated that poor ventilation and increased temperature inside the cabin in hot weather could affect children’s health.

Officials informed the commission that renovation work was continuing in the garden and that the cable car would be improved. The President said security arrangements were being followed.

The commission directed the authorities to take safety precautions during swimming training and said sessions in pools and other water bodies should not be conducted without proper safety precautions, especially during the monsoon season.

Authorities were also asked to complete the investigation into the allegation that a child was thrown into a pond and killed within a certain period of time.

The Commission instructed the Education and Local Self-Government departments to resolve infrastructure problems in schools. It has also raised concerns about security lapses and poor conditions in some Anganwadis.

Commissioner P. Shajesh Bhaskar said district officials and authorities should pay more attention to child rights issues.

Of the 61 complaints considered at the session, 41 were resolved and 20 were kept pending further review and action.