GANDHINAGAR: Gujarat government has ordered the closure of all 101 registered gaming zones across eight major cities in the wake of the tragic fire at TRP Game Zone in Rajkot that claimed 28 lives Saturday. The crackdown follows inspections that revealed multiple safety violations.
Of the 101 gaming zones, 20 have been permanently sealed because of the lack of necessary authorisations, including building use permissions and fire department NOCs, sources said on Tuesday.The remaining 81 have been “temporarily closed” until further safety assurances can be implemented.
Rajkot saw the highest number of closures, with eight out of 12 zones sealed. Ahmedabad followed with five closures, while Junagadh and Bhavnagar had four and three, respectively. Authorities are also investigating the presence of any unregistered and potentially illegal entertainment zones operating without licences.
Civic authorities across the state are issuing notices to gaming zone operators to implement the required safety measures.
In Vadodara, where 16 gaming zones, including 11 indoor ones, have been shut down, civic chief Dilip Kumar Rana said: “Notices will be issued to these establishments asking them to ensure safety measures. After they comply with the notices, they can be reopened.”
The decision to shut down these facilities reflects either an abundance of caution by the govt or a lack of confidence in the current safety standards of gaming zones.
Ahmedabad deputy municipal commissioner (urban development) IK Patel said the closures are precautionary. “Shutting down all gaming zones does not mean that they were all unsafe. We are ensuring all major and minor concerns of experts are addressed for maximum safety of citizens,” Patel explained.
The govt is currently working on a new policy for entertainment facilities, which will encompass comprehensive safety guidelines. This new policy is expected to be announced soon, and gaming zones will be allowed to reopen once they comply with the updated regulations.
“The home department will notify rules for entertainment zones that include gaming zones, amusement parks,” an official source said. The move is part of govt’s broader effort to enhance safety standards and prevent future tragedies similar to the fatal Rajkot blaze.
Of the 101 gaming zones, 20 have been permanently sealed because of the lack of necessary authorisations, including building use permissions and fire department NOCs, sources said on Tuesday.The remaining 81 have been “temporarily closed” until further safety assurances can be implemented.
Rajkot saw the highest number of closures, with eight out of 12 zones sealed. Ahmedabad followed with five closures, while Junagadh and Bhavnagar had four and three, respectively. Authorities are also investigating the presence of any unregistered and potentially illegal entertainment zones operating without licences.
Civic authorities across the state are issuing notices to gaming zone operators to implement the required safety measures.
In Vadodara, where 16 gaming zones, including 11 indoor ones, have been shut down, civic chief Dilip Kumar Rana said: “Notices will be issued to these establishments asking them to ensure safety measures. After they comply with the notices, they can be reopened.”
The decision to shut down these facilities reflects either an abundance of caution by the govt or a lack of confidence in the current safety standards of gaming zones.
Ahmedabad deputy municipal commissioner (urban development) IK Patel said the closures are precautionary. “Shutting down all gaming zones does not mean that they were all unsafe. We are ensuring all major and minor concerns of experts are addressed for maximum safety of citizens,” Patel explained.
The govt is currently working on a new policy for entertainment facilities, which will encompass comprehensive safety guidelines. This new policy is expected to be announced soon, and gaming zones will be allowed to reopen once they comply with the updated regulations.
“The home department will notify rules for entertainment zones that include gaming zones, amusement parks,” an official source said. The move is part of govt’s broader effort to enhance safety standards and prevent future tragedies similar to the fatal Rajkot blaze.
