The Hindu Business Line : Tragedy at Srirangam

THE tragedy at Srirangam, near Tiruchirapalli in Tamil Nadu, is too horrendous for words. That it should occur on the auspicious occasion of a marriage, with all guests assembled in a joyous frame of mind, makes it all the more poignant. The death toll may well reach 60 and more. No doubt inquiries which are afoot will determine the exact cause of the fire and fix responsibility. It can be hoped that local administration and civic authorities will ascertain deficiencies in the construction and leasing of marriage halls and indeed, go into safety arrangements in all public places such as movie houses where people gather in large numbers. Of course, all this ex post facto hustle-bustle is of no comfort to the bereaved to whom on behalf of this column I convey my heartfelt sympathy.

People are all praise for a head constable, Mr Srinivasa Rao, who, immediately on getting information of the gruesome incident, rushed to the spot, took charge of the situation and made all the necessary arrangements for shifting the injured to hospital, controlling crowds and the like. This is just one indicator of the magnificent job the local police, in general, did in undertaking appropriate measures to manage the aftermath of the fire. From all that I have heard, superb is the only word to describe the solidarity shown and the help unstintingly rendered by the local people, collectorate as well as corporation personnel, doctors, nurses and hospital employees, morgue staff, elected representatives and members of political parties. They all deserve a grateful salute from all of us.

The only blot in an otherwise soulful manifestation of humanity at its best in a heart-rending calamity is the reported non-availability of ambulances attached to government hospitals due to their being unfit for use. Assuming this to be true, it discloses a degree of inefficiency and indifference on the part of both the hospital administration and the State Health Department that can only be deemed condemnable. The Government should immediately launch a drive throughout the State to keep all government ambulances in working order. Were it not for the exemplary services of private ambulances in rushing the injured to the hospitals in time, many more lives might have been lost.

It is not just enforcement of regulatory conditions by the authorities concerned that can reduce the possibility of recurrence of such tragedies in future. Public cooperation is vital. A campaign to educate the public on their role and duty to guard against any arrangements for functions that will accentuate the hazards from fire is a must. An ounce of forethought is better than a ton of atonement.