Surajkund Mela Sees Record Footfall Amid Safety Concerns After Deadly Ride Collapse
The Surajkund Mela in Faridabad continued to draw massive crowds on Sunday, with approximately 2.2 lakh visitors flocking to the fairgrounds. This marked one of the highest single-day footfalls recorded so far, according to official reports. The surge in attendance came just a day after a tragic joyride collapse claimed the life of a police inspector and injured several visitors, casting a shadow over the otherwise vibrant event.
Amusement Park Sealed, Vendors Face Livelihood Crisis
In response to the accident, authorities have completely sealed off the amusement park area, barring public entry and deploying security personnel around the site. This closure has severely impacted hundreds of families who depend on ride and stall operations for their livelihood. The sealed section included about 14 rides and nearly 72 stalls, employing hundreds of workers and supporting around 1,000 families.
Vendors expressed deep distress, revealing they had invested heavily by paying advance fees and taking loans to set up businesses for the mela's duration. Many reported a lack of clarity from the tourism department regarding refunds or alternative arrangements. Haryana Tourism managing director Parth Gupta stated that the park would remain closed until the mela concludes, emphasizing that daily safety inspections were conducted by a designated committee, even on the day of the incident. He assured that strict action would be taken if any lapses were found.
Details of the Tragic Incident
The accident occurred around 6 PM on Saturday when the left-side shaft rod, approximately 50mm in width, of the 'tsunami' ride suddenly broke. This caused the structure to lose balance, with around 18 to 20 people on board at the time. During rescue efforts, the opposite side of the structure also collapsed. Haryana Police inspector Jagdish Prasad tragically lost his life while attempting to save visitors, while at least 12 others sustained injuries and were rushed to nearby hospitals.
Mela Continues with Cultural and Craft Attractions
Despite the tragedy, the rest of the Surajkund Mela remained open, with craft stalls, cultural performances, and food courts witnessing regular footfall. Visitors continued to explore the venue, though conversations frequently turned to the accident and broader questions about safety measures at large public events. Officials noted that the mela has attracted record-breaking crowds this year, with a total of 7.2 lakh visitors within the first nine days. The event gained strong momentum during the second weekend, drawing over 3.20 lakh visitors and bringing cheer to artisans, craftsmen, weavers, and shopkeepers.
Mixed Emotions Among Visitors
Many visitors expressed mixed emotions about attending the mela post-accident. Ravi Kumar, a Faridabad resident visiting with his family, remarked that while the mela remained lively, safety had become a major talking point among attendees. Another visitor, Neha Sharma from Delhi, admitted to feeling uneasy initially after hearing about the accident but felt reassured upon seeing the sealed-off area and additional security arrangements. Some visitors also confessed to coming partly out of curiosity to observe how authorities were managing the situation in the aftermath of the tragedy.
The incident has undoubtedly left a lasting impact, highlighting the delicate balance between celebrating cultural events and ensuring public safety. As the mela progresses, the focus remains on supporting affected vendors and implementing rigorous safety protocols to prevent future occurrences.
