Safety measures to be in place for smooth conduct of Cochin Carnival

The district administration has instructed officials of various departments to ensure all safety measures are in place ahead of the Cochin Carnival where thousands are expected to turn up for New Year celebrations at Parade Ground and Veli Ground in Fort Kochi.

The instructions were issued after a meeting chaired by Collector G. Priyanka and Kochi Mayor V.K. Minimol on Saturday (December 27, 2025) to review the steps taken by different departments for the smooth conduct of the mega event.

The meet decided to put in place all required safety measures in a time-bound manner. Maximum number of police personnel will be deployed for keeping law and order. The police will arrange parking facilities, imposing traffic restrictions and ensuring CCTV surveillance in the area, an official release issued after the meeting said.

Inspections will be conducted by the Corporation and Food safety department at makeshift food stalls in the carnival area. Strict action will be taken against stalls that fail to adhere to safety guidelines. The Kerala Water Authority will take steps to ensure supply of potable water for revellers, according to the release.

Steps will be taken to control rush in jankars, Water Metro ferries, and others. The Kerala State Road Transport Corporation will conduct seven bus services on the route, while private buses that obtain special permits will be allowed to operate additional services. Bio-toilets will be installed on the carnival premises.

The Fire and Rescue Services department will install lights at the required spots. It will also make use of scuba team and civil defence volunteers in emergency situations. The District Medical Officer will be ensuring the services of ambulance and medical teams.

The Public Works department (PWD) will inspect the construction of Pappanji (the giant effigy of an old man), which will be set on fire on New Year, to ensure that all safety aspects are followed. The Kerala State Electricity Board has been instructed to ensure uninterrupted power supply in the area.

Round-the-clock co-ordination centres will be set up at Parade Ground and Veli Ground to coordinate the services of different departments.

Deputy Mayor Deepak Joy, Sub Collector Grandhe Sai Krishna, Deputy Commissioner Aswathy Jiji and Deputy Collector (disaster management) K. Manoj were among the officials who attended the review meet.