Article By Advocate Amarjeet Singh Founder & Executive Director, PRAN Foundation
We’ve all seen the headlines. The snapped axle at Surajkund Mela, the horrific bungee jumping injury caught on video. These aren't just "accidents"; they are preventable tragedies born from a system that allows "recommended" safety to masquerade as "mandatory" law.
As analyzed in our technical report—
At PRAN Foundation, we believe joy should not come at the cost of a life. While we fight the legal battle for a National Safety Act, your vigilance on the ground can save lives today.
The Movement: #SafeSwingsSafeSmiles
The #SafeSwingsSafeSmiles campaign is a mission to bridge the gap between "voluntary standards" and "mandatory safety." Our goal is to ensure that every fair, carnival, and adventure park in India is a safe space for families.
Our Key Demands:
The "Jagdish Prasad" Rule: Mandatory third-party technical audits for every high-thrill ride.
Mandatory BIS IS 15475: Shifting the national safety code from "recommended" to a mandatory Quality Control Order (QCO).
Criminal Accountability: Treating safety lapses as a criminal violation of the Right to Life (Article 21).
Our Milestone: We are building a "National Mandate" of 1 million digital petitioners to support our Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the Supreme Court, if concerned authorities are not listening and acting on it.
Before You Board: Your 5-Minute Safety Audit
Armed with this simple checklist based on BIS IS 15475, you become the first line of defense. If a ride fails more than two points, do not board.
1. The "License to Thrill" (Paperwork)
Structural Stability Certificate: Is a certificate from a third-party engineer displayed?
Daily Logbook: Ask the operator: "Is the pre-opening safety check logged for today?" If they can’t show it, walk away.
2. The Mechanical Audit (Visible Red Flags)
Rust & Fatigue: Look at load-bearing joints. Deep rust or pitting indicates metal fatigue—the silent killer.
"Jugaad" Welding: Professional welds are smooth. Messy, patchwork welds are structural weaknesses.
Loose Fasteners: Look for missing bolts or nuts replaced by wires or wooden wedges.
3. The Operator Audit (The Human Factor)
Alertness: Is the operator distracted by a phone? Focused, trained staff are a requirement, not a luxury.
Safety Briefing: Does the operator physically check every harness, or just give a casual glance?
Where to Complain: Holding Authorities Accountable
If you spot a hazard, act immediately. Your report could prevent the next Surajkund.
Local Administration (The District Magistrate): The DM is the licensing authority for local fairs. File a written complaint at the DM office or the nearest Police Station.
Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA): For safety hazards affecting the public, call the National Consumer Helpline at 1915 or use the
NCH Portal .Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS): Report technical non-compliance via the BIS Care App or email
complaints@bis.gov.in.The PRAN Watchdog: WhatsApp photos/videos of hazards to +91-8920798501. We document these for our Supreme Court filing.
How You Can Support the Campaign
Sign the National Pledge: Join our Supreme Court PIL as a digital petitioner.
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Sign the Pledge Here Spread the Word: Share this checklist in your society groups. Education is our best defense.
"Unsafe is Unconstitutional." Join PRAN Foundation today to ensure that the next time you visit a fair, you return home with only smiles—not tragedy.
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