Kerala rights panel orders houseboat inspections after five-year-old’s death
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The Kerala State Human Rights Commission has ordered a joint inspection of houseboats operating at Akalapuzha after a five-year-old child died after falling overboard during a family outing.
The commission directed authorities to take strict legal action against vessels operating illegally at the backwater tourism destination near Koyilandy, in Thikkodi grama panchayat.
Its intervention follows reports that more than half of the nearly 40 houseboats operating along the stretch lack valid fitness or pollution certificates, registration documents or operating licences from the Port Department and other relevant authorities.
Boats also reportedly carry more passengers than permitted, while the area lacks adequate facilities for rescue operations in the event of an accident.
Thikkodi resident K. Noushad approached the commission, alleging that authorities had failed to act despite complaints about houseboats operating without sufficient safety measures.
After considering his petition, judicial member K. Baijunath directed the Kozhikode District Collector, Senior Port Conservator, Kozhikode Rural District Police Chief and Thikkodi grama panchayat secretary to conduct a joint inspection.
Boats failing safety checks face suspension
The commission instructed authorities to ensure that vessels carry adequate safety equipment, including life jackets, and to suspend operations of boats that fail to meet safety standards.
It said measures must protect all passengers, including children.
The commission also sought a detailed report within 15 days on the investigation into the child’s death, which occurred on the evening of October 12.
The case will be considered at a sitting at the Government Guest House in Kozhikode on November 25.