In response to the tragic 2024 fire at Rajkot’s TRP Gaming Zone that claimed 27 lives, the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) is drafting new regulations to improve safety and oversight of temporary sports facilities such as box cricket and pickleball venues. The proposed rules require these facilities to operate only on plots larger than 500 square meters, with at least half the area reserved for parking to reduce congestion. Additionally, all temporary sports structures must obtain AMC approval, annual licenses, and clearances from fire, police, and airport authorities. Structural engineers must be appointed, safety nets installed, and proper entry/exit gates provided. The draft will be open for public feedback before implementation.
This regulatory push is part of a broader state government initiative following a Special Investigation Team’s inquiry into temporary structures across multiple cities. The AMC aims to eliminate ambiguities where venues approved as temporary event spaces are used regularly for commercial sports, especially along major roads like SG Highway and SP Ring Road. The new framework mandates that temporary sports setups on open plots cannot operate without official approval, and strict penalties will be enforced against unapproved structures. Existing facilities must comply within 30 days of rule adoption or face higher fees and possible action.
