IF you spend more time worrying instead of enjoying rides at an amusement park, here’s some good news.
Amusement parks in India will soon have to follow certain safety regulations.
The Indian Association of Amusement Parks and Industries (IAAPI) has submitted a draft report for such safety regulations to the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).
If approved by the Union Cabinet, the regulations are expected to be enforced by February end, according to IAAPI President Balwant Chawla.
‘‘The safety standards pertain to the equipment used in amusement parks, the ride operators and even patrons,’’ says Anuj Sarin, chairman (Northern Region), IAAPI.
Sarin, who is also a manufacturer of amusement park equipment, had represented IAAPI before the BIS.
There are more than 100 amusement parks in the country at present, and the industry is growing at an estimated 40 per cent per annum.
However, it is not regulated and does not have to follow any safety standards.
‘‘Taking into account this rapid growth, the IAAPI took the initiative to approach the BIS with draft regulations,’’ says Ashok Goel, director, EsselWorld.
Goel was talking to the media to announce the IAAPI’s Annual Trade Show, which will be held in Mumbai from March 11-13.
The regulations will apply to the equipment used for rides, its design, and even how it will be placed.
For example, it will specify at what distance two railings in a queue should be placed.
Duties and responsibilities of ride operators will also be defined, such as how to deal with the equipment, and what to do if there is an accident.
But park owners and ride operators alone will not have to shoulder all the responsibility. Visitors too will have to abide by a set of rules.
‘‘Most often accidents happen because people with heart problems or hypertension or pregnant women go on these rides,’’ says Sarin.
He hopes that once the law takes effect, visitors will take these rules more seriously.
Game Parks
EsselWorld, Water Kingdom, Gorai
Fantasy Land,
Jogeshwari
Suraj Water Park, Thane
Nishiland, Panvel
Tikujiniwadi, Thane
Great Escape,
Vajreshwari