Kankaria Lake in Ahmedabad has resumed boating after an approximately two-and-a-half-year suspension, with the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation introducing new safety measures, mandatory life jackets and round-the-clock emergency support for visitors.
The service was restarted after the state government introduced a new boating policy and standard operating procedure (SOP) following the Harni Lake boat tragedy in Vadodara. The January 2024 incident, in which a boat capsized and 14 people, including schoolchildren, died, led to the suspension of boating activities across the state, including at Kankaria Lake.
Ahmedabad Standing Committee chairman Kamlesh Patel gave the go-ahead for the activity to restart. During the Diwali holiday period, visitors will be able to use speedboats, pontoon boats, shikaras, gypsies and pedal boats at Kankaria. Ticket prices have been fixed between Rs 60 and Rs 300 per person, according to the supplied report.
The reopening followed a review of the required documents, permissions, certificates and insurance arrangements. A City Waterside Safety Committee meeting was held on October 31 to examine the safety systems and approvals required for boating and other water-based activities. The committee gave unanimous consent after reviewing the preparations.
Officials from the NCC Navy division also inspected the site and expressed satisfaction with the safety arrangements, the report said. The municipal corporation subsequently permitted the tender agency to begin boating and other water sports activities at the lake.
A 360-degree emergency response centre has been established to monitor the boating zone and respond to incidents. CCTV cameras will cover the area, with Fire Department personnel assigned to monitor the surveillance system. More than 350 life jackets, walkie-talkies, an announcement system and display boards explaining the rules have also been arranged.
Visitors will not be allowed to board a boat without wearing a life jacket. The safety procedures are being implemented under the state government’s boating policy and SOP, according to Dr Sahu, an adviser to the zoo, who said Ahmedabad was the first municipal corporation in the state to restart boating after the new framework was introduced. Boating had earlier resumed at Ukai Dam, the report said.
The reopening adds a water-based recreational activity to Kankaria’s visitor facilities during the holiday season. Its operation will now depend on compliance with the prescribed safety procedures, monitoring by the emergency response system and the permissions granted to the tender agency.
