Assam: Hefty entry fees but what is Accoland giving to visitors?

22 July 2018;

Assam’s largest water amusement park “Accoland”, located on the outskirts of state capital Guwahati, is in the eye of a storm after the district authorities detected multiple anomalies as regards its management, particularly the management of water.

While the park charges hefty entry fees from visitors, it allegedly has no concern over issues such as visitors’ health and hygiene. The visitors have often complained of illness. But how much does Accoland earn?

According to its officials, revenues, collected in the form of entry fees, are to the tune of nearly Rs.40 crore per annum. The entry fee during weekdays is Rs.480 per adult and Rs.380 per child. On Saturdays and holidays, it goes up to Rs.510 per adult and Rs.410 per child. On Sundays, it is Rs.540 per adult and Rs.450 per child.

There are reports that the park has not changed the water for years. Asked by INSIDENE if the reports are true, the park’s manager Pranjit Saikia evaded a direct reply. First, he said the tiles in the swimming pools were replaced recently and then he hastened to add that he did not have the records as he joined newly.

That all is not well in Accoland came to light some time back when a woman and her family from Barpeta had complained of skin allergy and rashes alleging the water in the park was contaminated. Later, a probe was ordered by the Kamrup (Metro) district authorities.

The arrogance of park authorities was evident from their not adhering to multiple recommendations made by the district authorities. Following a raid at the park on Saturday, Additional Deputy Commissioner Ranjit Konwar said water was sourced from a nearby dirty pond for the park’s ‘sliding’ section.

Deputy Commissioner Virendra Mittal told INSIDENE that an enquiry was on. He said the district authorities would order the park’s closure in the event of detection of serious anomalies in its maintenance.