The much-anticipated Kankaria Carnival in Ahmedabad has been embroiled in a significant controversy even before its commencement, centering on a critical flaw in its massive insurance coverage. The week-long festival, scheduled to run from December 25 to 31 at the Kankaria Lakefront in Maninagar, is under scrutiny for terms in its Rs 5,000 crore insurance policy that potentially leave visitors unprotected.
The Core of the Insurance Dispute
As a standard safety measure, the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) secured a comprehensive insurance policy for the annual carnival. This policy is designed to protect attendees against catastrophic events like fires, terrorist attacks, or earthquakes. For this year's coverage, the civic body paid a premium of Rs 3.91 lakh. However, a specific condition within the policy document has sparked a heated debate and raised serious concerns about its practical utility.
The contentious clause explicitly states that compensation would be payable only to those visitors who enter the carnival venue by purchasing a ticket. This requirement has created a direct conflict with the event's access policy, as entry to the Kankaria Carnival is completely free, and no tickets are issued to the public. This glaring discrepancy has led to widespread anxiety over whether any visitor would actually be eligible to claim insurance in the unfortunate event of a disaster.
Official Response and Immediate Fallout
The revelation of this clause has put AMC officials and office-bearers on the defensive. The Kankaria Carnival is a flagship annual event organized by the municipal corporation, drawing thousands of visitors each day. The prospect of such a large crowd being potentially ineligible for the promised insurance cover has become a major public relations and safety challenge.
Responding swiftly to the growing concern, Standing Committee Chairman Devang Dani addressed the issue. He stated that the AMC has taken cognizance of the problem and has instructed the insurance provider to remove the problematic clause from the policy. The objective of this directive is to ensure that all visitors to the carnival, regardless of ticket purchase, are unequivocally covered under the Rs 5,000 crore insurance umbrella.
Ensuring Visitor Safety and Trust
This incident highlights the critical importance of meticulous planning and review in large-scale public event management. While procuring insurance is a responsible step, its terms must align perfectly with the ground realities of the event. The AMC's move to rectify the clause is aimed at restoring public confidence and ensuring that the festive spirit of the carnival is not marred by concerns over safety and financial protection.
The focus now shifts to the insurance company's compliance and the issuance of a revised policy document. All eyes will be on the AMC to confirm that the necessary corrections have been made well before the carnival gates open on Christmas Day, guaranteeing peace of mind for every attendee.
