THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The detailed report submitted to the government by the Justice K Narayanakurup Commission in less than a year, after the July 2002 Kumarakam boat disaster that left Kerala in tears and claimed 29 lives, has been lying dormant on file for twenty-one years now.

The core of the report was the creative suggestions to avoid future tragedies, rather than the causes of boating accidents. The government informed the High Court that the recommendations would be fully executed, but nothing was implemented.

The main recommendation was to appoint a Safety Commissioner for Water Transport. The report also suggested that PKR Nair (father of former film star Karthika), a native of Thiruvananthapuram, who was a captain in the merchant navy and an expert in the maritime field, should be appointed as the commissioner. The proceedings ended there.

Justice Moideen Kunju Commission was appointed in the February 2007 Thattekkad boat disaster in which 18 people died and the Justice Pareed Pillay Commission in the September 2009 Thekkadi boat disaster in which 46 people died. They also had the same fate as the Narayana Kurup Commission report. A judicial inquiry has also been announced in the Tanur tragedy that claimed the lives of 22 people the other day. Its fate is unlikely to be otherwise.

The earlier commissions pointed out the causes of the accidents as leakage of boats, failure of regular inspection and overloading of permitted loads. Road Safety Commissioner is there to make road traffic safe. Air transport and rail transport have similar systems as well. However, the safety of those who rely on boat services on a daily basis is given no value at all. The commission's recommendation was to pay a total compensation of Rs 91,61,000 to the dependents of 29 people who lost their lives in the Kumarakam accident but only one lakh each was given. There are people in Alappuzha who have not yet received compensation.

Inspections at regular intervals

'Disasters can be avoided to some extent if there are unannounced inspections by the Safety Commissioner. A small office system with Ernakulam as the center, a motor boat and essential staff will be enough.'

-Justice K Narayanakurup