Carnival: Disaster response plan to handle crowd surge

Kochi: District authorities have decided to prepare a disaster management plan along the lines of Thrissur Pooram for the forthcoming Cochin Carnival. This is after the police in its report said that the existing venue of the carnival cannot accommodate a huge crowd. After this, at a meeting held on Tuesday, the authorities decided to prepare a disaster management plan that includes all aspects, even crowd management. It was at the meeting convened by K J Maxi MLA, mayor M Anilkumar and district collector NSK Umesh at Fort Kochi on Tuesday that the decision was taken.In the wake of the stampede-like situation during last New Year celebrations at Fort Kochi, the police had reported that the Parade Ground, where the main event of the carnival is being held, cannot accommodate such a large crowd. The police suggested that the venue of burning Pappanji, which is the main event of the carnival celebrations, should be shifted from the Parade Ground to Veli Ground where more people can be accommodated. “However, the majority of the participants, especially the people’s representatives, objected to the suggestion. They wanted the Parade Ground where the main event has been organised for the past several years to continue as the centre stage. So, the meeting decided not to shift the venue,” sources said.An action plan, which would be detailing various issues like transportation, parking, lighting and security, toilet facilities, will also be prepared. “A disaster management plan will be prepared. District disaster management authority will prepare the plan in consultation with various agencies like police, fire and rescue services, revenue etc. The plan will be completed in a few days, and it will be published by the first week of December. This will help the crowd management,” district collector NSK Umesh said. Parking lots will be identified in nearby areas like Thoppumpady, Karuvelippady etc. CCTV cameras will be installed in the entire Fort Kochi area. The meeting also decided not to rope in event management firms to mobilise funds for the event. Earlier, the general body of the carnival committee had decided to seek the support of an event management firm to mobilise revenue through advertisements. “We have decided to conduct the carnival as a masses’ programme with the participation of all the stakeholders. Kochi corporation would increase its financial support to the carnival if need arose,” the mayor said.Public transport, including Ro-Ro, KSRTC buses and private buses will be ensured throughout the New Year’s Eve. The authorities will also chalk out plans to tap the tourism potentials of the carnival. “The footfall of tourists, especially foreigners, is high during the New Year. We will explore ways to tap the tourism potential of the event,” said Vishnuraj, Fort Kochi, revenue divisional officer.