New Delhi: In response to the devastating fire that claimed 27 lives, in Rajkot on May 25, the Gujarat government has developed model rules to regulate amusement rides and gaming zones. These measures aim to prevent similar tragedies by ensuring stringent safety protocols are in place.New regulatory frameworkThe Gujarat Amusement Rides and Gaming Zone Activities Safety Rules, 2024, were announced by Advocate General Kamal Trivedi. These rules require gaming zone owners to secure regular licenses and approvals, including fire No Objection Certificates (NOCs) and building use permissions from police and civic authorities. Additionally, owners must seek approval from newly formed Ride Safety and Inspection Committees.The committees will be appointed by police commissioners for cities and by district collectors for other areas. These bodies will be responsible for evaluating the safety of rides and gaming equipment, ensuring compliance with safety standards.High court involvementThe division bench of Chief Justice Sunita Agarwal and Justice Pranav Trivedi reviewed the state governments affidavit concerning the new regulations and scheduled the next hearing for August 23. The high court had initiated a suo motu Public Interest Litigation (PIL) following the tragic fire at the Rajkot gaming zone.During a June hearing, the court had directed the state government to confirm whether rules were framed under Section 33 of the Gujarat Police Act, which outlines the duties and powers of the licensing authority. In response, the state home department incorporated public suggestions to finalize the new safety rules.Trivedi stated that the model rules, distributed to police commissioners and district magistrates, offer detailed definitions and procedures for installing and operating games and amusement rides. These rules cover licensing, inspection, approval processes, and renewal and suspension of licenses.To renew a license, a certified inspector will assess the facility against the criteria listed in Annexure 1, and issue a certificate, which must be verified by the relevant safety committee. Prospective gaming zone operators must also secure inspection and approval from the committee before installing any rides.State govt to form the committees The Chief Justice urged the state government to ensure that police commissioners and collectors notify these rules within two weeks and form the committees within an additional week. Each committee will include technical experts not below the rank of Class-2 officers from the state government or affiliated boards or corporations.
