The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) and the Gujarat High Court, boating and water sports operations at Kankaria Lake have been temporarily suspended.
The AMC, in collaboration with the Kankaria lakefront office, has instructed Khodal Corporation, the agency overseeing these activities, to halt operations until a revised contract incorporating enhanced safety measures is finalised. The decision comes following a recent tragedy at Harni Lake in Vadodara and a subsequent Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed in the Gujarat High Court. The court’s oral order on March 12 emphasised the necessity for stringent monitoring and supervision of boating activities. Authorities granting permissions are now mandated to conduct regular inspections and promptly suspend operations upon identifying any safety inadequacies. The state’s Home Department has also intervened, instructing various collectorates to conduct thorough inspections of all 18 sites across Gujarat where boating activities are permitted. If any deficiencies are discovered, immediate suspension of operations is required, with detailed reports to be submitted to the Home Department for further review. This proactive approach underscores a commitment to public safety and regulatory compliance in recreational water activities across the state. Pending the implementation of revised safety protocols, the temporary suspension serves as a precautionary measure to mitigate potential risks and ensure the well-being of visitors to Kankaria Lake. The developments reflect a concerted effort by government authorities to uphold safety standards and enhance accountability within the leisure industry, safeguarding against unforeseen accidents and promoting responsible business practices.
