Death of jumper prods govt to lay down guidelines for bungee clubs
Death of jumper prods govt to lay down guidelines for bungee clubs
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"All irresponsible clubs will be weeded out," said Gulihatti D Shekar, minister for sports and youth affairs. "We will formulate guidelines to check clubs without proper infrastructure."
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Sad end: Relatives of V Bhargava, who died while bungee jumping at Bannerghatta near Bangalore, examine the harness that snapped. |
Though safety standards are ensured by the department's General Thimappa Academy of Sports that organises adventure sports, there are no provisions empowering the state department to monitor private adventure clubs, said the minister.
"This has resulted in an increase in the number of clubs organising such events without meeting specified requirements.
I will call existing clubs after the elections and decide on the guidelines which will ensure safety and mete out stringent punishment to the violators," added Shekar.
Illegal
Only a few of the over 2,000 such clubs in the city have obtained NoCs (no objection certificates) from service providers like police, Bescom, BBMP and the fire force.
Most of these don't even have adequate infrastructure, including a doctor or paramedical staff on the spot.
"Not ensuring safety measures cause such mishaps," said Major Kapoor, a retired Indian Army officer now running an adventure club, Value Lane. "Adequate safety measures have to be ensured, like using safe equipment, including ropes which have to be tested after 200 launches. Back-up safety ropes are a must.
Trained professionals will help check such accidents. Also, a doctor on call, an ambulance and first-aid facilities are a must."
Neeraj Malve, founder of Bangalore Mountaineering Club, said, "Adventure sports always involve risks. Our management takes all the necessary steps to ensure that no such accidents take place. This includes providing safety-certified equipment to the participants and the trained staff as well."
According to Malve, there are various procedures involved in conducting adventure sports. Like in case of rock climbing and trekking, the management has to take permission from the forest department.
Good decision
Adventure clubs operating in Bangalore welcome the government's move to formulate guidelines.u00a0
"More stringent measures are required to ensure safety in adventure sports," said Mayuresh, executive director, Indian Adventure club.
"A state government guideline will help. We welcome the move," he said
One arrested
Centre for Adventure and Rejuvenation of Environment (CARE) and Head Rush Bungee had not taken permission from the authorities concerned and they were running the adventure clubs illegally, the police said.
Proprietor of Head Rush, Sachin, was arrested under section 304 (a) of the of the Indian Penal Code for causing accidental death due to negligence and produced before a court in Anekal. Efforts were on to arrest CARE head Sheshadri, who is now absconding, the police said. (With inputs from Imran Gowhar)
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