Provided facilities beyond requested: Tamil Nadu minister on air show preparations

A political storm erupted in Tamil Nadu after the deaths of five spectators at an Indian Air Force (IAF) air show held in Chennai. Opposition parties, the BJP and the AIADMK, have strongly criticised the ruling DMK government, accusing Chief Minister MK Stalin’s administration of mismanagement and failing to ensure the safety of the public.
In response to the backlash, Tamil Nadu Health Minister Ma Subramanian defended the state’s role in organising the event. He emphasised that the Tamil Nadu government provided more than what was initially requested by the IAF.
At least five people died, and 230 others were hospitalised due to dehydration following the IAF’s air show. The event, organised at Marina Beach to commemorate the 92nd anniversary of the IAF, quickly spiralled into chaos, as thousands of attendees faced overcrowding, traffic congestion, and insufficient basic amenities amidst the sweltering heat.
The Tamil Nadu Health Minister emphasised that the state government provided full administrative cooperation to ensure the successful organization of the Indian Air Force Air Show in Chennai.
He explained that a coordination meeting, chaired by the Tamil Nadu Chief Secretary, was held with Indian Air Force officers and officials from various government departments to properly plan and execute the event. Following this, several additional meetings were conducted at the departmental level.
According to the health minister, all arrangements were made based on the requests put forward by IAF officers during these discussions. The state government deployed two health teams, each comprising an adequate number of doctors and nurses, at the venue.
Additionally, the Indian Army formed medical teams for support. Forty ambulances were stationed at the event to provide emergency medical assistance, with sufficient paramedical teams also on standby.
To handle any emergencies, Government Medical College Hospitals, including Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital, were prepared with 100 beds and 65 doctors, the minister said.
Furthermore, the Chennai Corporation made necessary arrangements to provide temporary toilet facilities and drinking water for the attendees at Marina Beach.
Authorities continue to face criticism for the lack of proper crowd management and safety measures during the air show.
Tamil Nadu BJP chief K Annamalai condemned the ruling DMK government and called for Chief Minister MK Stalin to be held accountable for what he described as “the misery of hundreds of families” affected by the tragedy.