Major Lapse at Surajkund Mela: Ride Operated Without Official NOC

Faridabad: Another serious lapse has come to light in the aftermath of the ride accident at the Surajkund International Crafts Fair. Reports suggest that the ride involved in the mishap was being operated without a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the district administration, raising serious questions about oversight and accountability.

Sources say that the Haryana Tourism Department had reportedly allowed the ride to operate on its own authority. After the accident, the department shifted the blame entirely onto the vendor, distancing itself from responsibility. Officials from the department had previously claimed that an expert committee conducted daily inspections of rides at the fair.

Tourism Department’s Role Under Scrutiny
The incident has sparked criticism over how such a serious lapse went unnoticed despite daily inspections by the committee. Meanwhile, the police presented the accused ride proprietors, Mohammad Shakir and Nitesh Mittal, in court, and they have been remanded for five days.

District administration officials confirmed that the amusement rides at the fair were never issued an official NOC. A nine-member committee had been formed to oversee approvals, but the oversight failed to prevent the ride from operating illegally.

Aftermath and Safety Measures
The area of the accident has been cordoned off and covered with black sheets to prevent public access. A portion of the amusement park’s food court has been reopened, but vendors report low footfall, as the ride was the main attraction drawing visitors.

This incident has put Haryana Tourism’s role in question and raised concerns about safety protocols at one of India’s most popular craft fairs.