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Probe into Kerala boat tragedy

Staff Reporter

Government to ensure safety measures on boats Government to ensure boats follow safety steps, announces payments to bereaved families

A PRAYER ON THEIR LIPS: Students and staff members of Cotton Hill Government Girls Higher Secondary School in Thiruvananthapuram stand in silence on Wednesday in memory of those who died in the boat tragedy at Thattekad. — Photo: S. Gopakumar

ELAVOOR (Ernakulam dist.): The Kerala Government will hold a judicial inquiry into the Thattekkad boat tragedy that claimed the lives of 15 children and three teachers of St. Antony's Upper Primary School here on Tuesday.

Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan told reporters on Wednesday that the Government would pay Rs. 2 lakh each to families of those who drowned in the Periyar. It sanctioned Rs.5,000 each for the funeral. The Education department announced Rs.10,000 each for the families of the dead.

The Chief Minister said the inquiry would find out the cause of the tragedy. Going by media reports, he said, the boat lacked proper safety measures.

The operators seemed to have ignored the fact that it was too late for a boat ride for children.

Mr. Achuthanandan said the Government would probe whether there was any delay in rescue operations.

The Government would ensure that boats complied with safety norms.

Tourism Minister Kodiyeri Balakrishnan said his department would take action against boats operating without proper licence and safety measures.

Revenue Minister K.P. Rajendran said the Government would probe whether the district administration failed in providing timely rescue and relief operations.

Education Minister M.A. Baby said his department would propose alternative tour proposals for schoolchildren.

Leader of the Opposition Oommen Chandy said the boat tragedy occurred due to safety lapses. Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee president Ramesh Chennithala said the Government should give financial aid to the families of the victims.

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