Ahmedabad: In a bid to enhance safety and streamline regulation of makeshift sports facilities, the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) is preparing a draft regulations for temporary structures housing box cricket and pickleball activities. The move follows the deadly fire at Rajkot’s TRP Gaming Zone in 2024, which claimed 27 lives, including several children, and highlighted the urgent need for better oversight.According to senior AMC officials, the new draft guidelines will mandate that box cricket facilities operate only on plots larger than 500 sq m. At least 50% of the total plot area must be earmarked for parking, addressing long-standing congestion issues at such venues.“All temporary sports structures will now require AMC approvals and annual licences. The draft regulations will be opened for public feedback before final implementation,” a senior AMC official said.The regulatory overhaul is part of a broader response initiated by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) formed by the state government post the Rajkot tragedy. The SIT sent detailed questionnaires to municipal commissioners in eight cities—Ahmedabad, Rajkot, Gandhinagar, Vadodara, and Surat among them—seeking data on temporary structures, inspections, and illegal constructions.With some municipal bodies slow to respond, the SIT issued reminders on June 10. The incident has since prompted statewide changes in construction norms for gaming zones, amusement parks, and recreational facilities.AMC officials noted that many box cricket and food court operations along SG Highway and SP Ring Road function in a grey area—approved as temporary event venues but used regularly for commercial sports activities. The new framework is expected to eliminate such ambiguity.“Temporary sports setups on open plots will not be allowed to operate without AMC’s approval,” the official said, adding that clearances from the police, fire department, and, where applicable, the airport authority will be mandatory.BOX: What Will be the New Rules– The plot must be larger than 500 square metres.– 50% of the plot area must be reserved for parking.– A structural engineer must be appointed.– NOC from fire, police, and airport authorities must be submitted.– A 3-metre high net must be installed around the plot.– Two entry and exit gates of four feet each must be provided.– A licence fee of ₹100 per square metre of the total plot area must be paid.– Approval for one stall to place equipment in the temporary structure will be granted.– Approval for temporary structures for box cricket will only be given on non-agricultural land, not on agricultural land.– Applications must be submitted within 30 days of the new rules being approved; existing temporary structures for box cricket must apply within 30 days. After 30 days, applicants will have to pay a fee of ₹200 per square metre.– Plans for temporary structures for box cricket must be approved. Action will be taken against unapproved temporary structures.