Non adherence to safety norms led to mishap: Dr Anbumani Ramadoss

 

“It is mandatory to wear life jacket while going on a boat ride. If the rule has been followed, loss of lives could have been avoided,” Dr Anbu mani said expressing his condolence to family members of the deceased in a statement. 

 

There is also a norm that only five people and boatman should travel at a time but 10 persons had taken a ride, he said, noting that the Dharmapuri district administration should have cracked down on such violation of safety norms. 

 

“The administration should have prevented operation of boats in the banned areas near the Hogenakkal falls. It is condemnable that district administration are not bothered about it,” he charged. 

 

“The hanging bridge to view the five water falls in Hogenakkal was closed citing safety reasons. But no efforts were taken to improve safety aspects and reopen the bridge,” he said, demanding the government to station fire and rescue department officials at the waterfalls to rescue if someone drowned.