In the wake of the recent Rajkot TRP game zone fire accident that claimed 27 lives, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has urged officers and elected office bearers of urban local bodies (ULBs) to prioritise human life above all.
Addressing an official function of the Urban Development Department at the Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar, the Chief Minister emphasised, “The pursuit of development will be of no use if the very people for whom it is being done are not being taken care of.”
During the event, cheques worth Rs 2,111 crore were distributed to various municipal corporations and municipalities in the state for developmental works. Top officials and elected office bearers of the ULBs were present on the occasion.
Reflecting on the Rajkot game zone fire tragedy, Patel expressed concern over the mistakes made despite significant development. He stressed, “Our foremost priority should be the life of a human being. There cannot be any compromise on it whether it is at the level of officers or (elected) office-bearers.”
On Wednesday, the state government published draft rules for the regulation of game zones and amusement parks, inviting public suggestions and objections. Patel referred to these draft rules, stating, “We have framed the SOPs for the game zones. We have put them in the public domain as well. Let us ask the public if they want anything to be added; then we can add… So that, no such accident is repeated. All of us should be careful about that.”
The Chief Minister also emphasised the need to maintain quality in developmental works, suggesting that the ULBs sit for two days in a year to monitor and discuss the quality of works being executed.
Patel urged the public and officials not to view media reports as criticism of the government. “They are not criticising us. By showing our small mistakes, they let us know that these issues need to be addressed,” he said.
In this context, he referred to a media report showing a government office with stains of tobacco spitting, stating, “They (media) show it because we are doing it.” He further suggested that during office hours, officers, office bearers and even the public should be restricted from consuming tobacco.
Also Read: Cong Calls For Rajkot Bandh In Memory Of Deceased In Gamezone Fire
