In a hearing of a suo moto writ petition on Mar 12 regarding the tragic Harni Lake incident, the government notified the Gujarat High Court that a new policy would be formulated for boating, adventure sports, and other activities in the state.

The two-judge bench of Chief Justice Sunita Agarwal and Justice Aniruddha P Mayee had earlier directed the state government to study the laws of other states, including Uttarakhand, and prepare a policy.

State government’s steps

The state government today informed the High Court that it will prepare a policy for legal framework, certification, and enforcement for boating, adventure sports, and activities on the seashore, ropeways, and other places in the coming three months.

In addition, a 13-member high-level committee has been constituted under the state’s Urban Development & Urban Housing department to constitute a certification mandate for the activities in the inland water bodies statewide.

This committee will ensure the citizens’ safety and security amidst growing tourism activities in the state.

Moreover, water bodies in the state are under thorough state scrutiny, while boating activities have been banned in 27 of them.

High Court’s directions to state govt

The two-judge bench pulled up the government, stating that the framed policy should be effective and preventative of such accidents.

The bench directed the government to revisit the existing contracts for the operational activities at the water bodies. If necessary, the terms and conditions should also be revised. The court also asked the government to appoint an observer for this purpose.

As the court assistants brought a similar policy to the court’s attention, the HC directed the government to formulate a policy keeping in mind the laws, rules, and other aspects currently implemented in Uttarakhand.

It also mentioned keeping a close watch on the investigation of the Harni Lake tragedy case, and the government authorities should take note of it.

The further hearing of the case has been adjourned until April.

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