Gujarat High Court Restricts Kankaria Lake Boating After Harani Lake Tragedy

Ahmedabad’s popular Kankaria Lake has stopped all boating and water sports activities following a serious note taken by the Gujarat High Court on the recent Vadodara’s Harani lake tragedy where children lost their lives due to a boat capsizing incident.

The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has ordered the closure of these activities run by Khodal Corporation, citing the corporation’s failure to submit a new agreement regarding safety protocols as mandated by the High Court. Notably, boating activities at the Sabarmati Riverfront have also been suspended.

Khodal Corporation was responsible for operating boating and water sports in Vadodara’s Harani Lake, the site of the tragic incident. The Gujarat High Court, taking a suo motu (on its own motion) initiative, expressed grave concern and issued orders for stricter supervision and monitoring of all boating activities across the state.

Following the High Court’s directive, the city police were tasked with incorporating new safety measures in boating operations within lakes and reservoirs. These measures were outlined in a new agreement that needed to be submitted by the traffic police before April 22nd. However, Khodal Corporation has yet to submit the new contract for Kankaria Lake’s boating and water sports activities.

The Kankaria Lake office has directed Khodal Corporation to immediately cease all water and boating activities until the new agreement is submitted. This suspension will remain in effect until new terms and provisions regarding safety are finalized and agreed upon.

The new regulations emphasize the importance of regular monitoring and supervision by the authority granting permission for boating activities. This oversight aims to ensure that life safety standards are consistently met. The regulations further stipulate that any boating activity deemed a threat to public safety will be immediately suspended. Finally, the new guidelines hold the monitoring and supervision officer accountable in case of any mishaps arising from negligence during boating operations.