Published Nov 05, 2026 | 4:00 PM ⚊ Updated Nov 05, 2026 | 4:00 PM
Every ride must have trained personnel on duty, and safety arrangements, including locking mechanisms, must be kept in proper working condition.
Synopsis: The Kerala State Commission for Protection of Child Rights has made child safety officers and child-friendly help desks mandatory in all amusement parks in Keralam. It has also ordered technical inspections and safety certification of every ride, along with trained staff, emergency medical facilities and safeguards for children with disabilities. The Commission has called for a high-level State committee to frame safety guidelines and child protection protocols for amusement park rides.
The Kerala State Commission for Protection of Child Rights has directed all amusement parks in Keralam to appoint dedicated child safety officers and set up child-friendly help desks as part of a series of mandatory measures to prevent accidents and protect children’s lives, health and mental well-being.
The directions also require park operators to have every ride inspected by qualified technical safety experts and obtain valid safety certificates. Periodic inspections must be conducted to ensure that the rides remain safe for use.
The order was issued by a division bench comprising Acting Chairperson Cicily Joseph and member P Shajesh Bhaskar.
The order followed a petition filed by S Gautam of Kurichakam, Kozhikode. The petitioner pointed out that children account for a large share of amusement park visitors, while several parks continue to operate high-risk rides without adequate safety arrangements.
He alleged that parks were not properly implementing safety measures prescribed through government directives and court orders. He sought urgent government intervention to prevent establishments from putting children’s lives at risk.
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Every ride must have trained personnel on duty, and safety arrangements, including locking mechanisms, must be kept in proper working condition. Each ride must also display clear signboards carrying safety instructions and operational guidelines in language that children can easily understand.
The Commission has directed parks to provide suitable safety arrangements for children with disabilities and ensure emergency medical assistance in the event of an accident. The name and details of each park’s licence holder must be prominently displayed, with the licence holder held accountable for any safety lapses.
The parks must strictly comply with the relevant Kerala High Court judgment and the instructions issued by the Local Self-Government Department.
The Commission has called for a high-level State committee comprising the Secretary of the Pollution Control Board, the Superintending Engineer of the Public Works Department’s Mechanical Division, the Director of Fire and Rescue Services and the Principal Director of the Local Self-Government Department.
The committee, in consultation with technical inspection agencies, will frame safety guidelines and child protection protocols for amusement park rides.
The Principal Director of the Local Self-Government Department has also been tasked with organising a child safety awareness campaign in association with amusement parks.
(Edited by Dese Gowda with inputs from Dileep V Kumar)
