Travelling Funfair amusements and rides are always close to everyone’s heart as it is a place to relax, shop, spend, eat and enjoy. These funfairs have something to cater to all age-groups from kids to grown-ups thereby engaging everyone. While every city has its own permanent amusement parks, the travelling funfairs get special attention and invokes excitement because they are temporary. These are generally mobile and relatively pocket friendly compared to visiting theme parks in the cities. This temporary model is getting popular day-by-day and is being replicated across the country. Due to its mobility, these temporary travelling amusement parks or funfairs have found its way across Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities too. That’s the good news. The bad news is that most of us are unaware of the safety concerns and the risks associated with such travelling funfairs where the stability of amusement rides and the metal structures neither quality checked and certified nor regulated. And people don’t seem to bother.
How funfair work?
These temporary travelling funfairs have several amusement rides and shops. Each of these rides or in some cases, some of these rides, are owned by vendors who just rent them out on sub-contracts. Those at the venue collecting money and offering tickets are the sub-contractors who have to pay daily rent to the ride owners. The ride owners hardly visit the funfair. The sub-contractors, having rented the ride equipment have a necessity to get the maximum out of those 50 – 60 days of funfair, by getting more visitors to their rides. In short, one would see funfairs filled with sub-contractors collecting money and offering tickets for the rides. Most of the times, they live in the same venue by installing tents next to the rides.
Engineering structures that get disassembled every 60 days
The owners of these individual rides visit the place for setup, assembly and occasional maintenance. All these structures are disassembled towards the end of the funfair say in 45 to 60 days and moved to another location for another event.
Can you spot the engineer?
Not to belittle the efforts and the micro-economic factors that play in, but, where are the quality checks? There cant be an excuse for people’s lives. In such temporary travelling funfairs, who takes accountability and who ensures quality checks for theses engineering structures called rides. Be it a giant wheel or a swinging ship, one can only imagine the amount of collateral damage it can potentially bring in to the crowd enjoying the ride if things go south.
There is no one person or entity that has ever highlighted or advertised its presence as an authority or an organizing committee that takes accountability. These travelling funfairs are run by a set of sub-contractors who rent structures, equipment and land for approximately two months. They make money through visitors, earn their livelihood, pay the rent to owners and leave the city. Will it be fine t say that those who expect accountability from such crowds are fools? There is a whole place of engineering marvel that is being operated by uneducated sub-contractors without a single engineer and with none to take accountability for. Should it called a miracle?
While accountability is zero, safety is non-existent
Under each ride, one can see two persons. One who offers tickets for the ride and the other who operates the ride for kids. Most or all the rides are electrically operated and there are literally zero safety measures taken by the operators. One can see electrical wires, one tied to another to form a knot without any tapes or insulations running across and through the rides, over which the entire crowd is enjoying the experience. The operator, at times doesn’t understand local language, and definitely far-away from the know-hows of an engineer. There are so many possibility in which a mishap could happen. That is how these structures are maintained.
What if a terrible accident happens?
One would wonder how will someone be held accountable and accused of willful neglect, when there doesn’t seem to be an organized authority or government body to regulate such funfairs? Or does it exist? Is there a government body that certifies such temporary structures from time-to-time across all the cities and places where they put up such events? If it exists, then, how such structures are allowed to operate without accountability and basic safety measures. Or is it already taken care of? Are there quality checks happening at regular intervals? Is there a certifying authority that checks every machinery and ride?
Enjoy the funfair; but also take care
Funfairs are not the villains here. It would be wrong to portray them as villains. Funfairs are a necessary ingredient for the microcosm that boosts local economy, supports local traders and brings smiles in the crowd. However, until the loopholes are fixed, the next time you go to a travelling funfair, please take care.
To address these concerns, a multifaceted approach is required. First and foremost, there needs to be a clear and enforceable regulatory framework governing the operation of travelling funfairs. This includes mandatory safety inspections and certifications by qualified engineers before a funfair is allowed to open to the public. Regular checks and strict adherence to safety standards must be enforced to ensure that every ride and structure is safe for use.
Moreover, operators and sub-contractors must be adequately trained in safety protocols and emergency response procedures. Investing in the training and certification of personnel can significantly reduce the risks associated with the operation of amusement rides. This also involves educating them on the importance of regular maintenance and the identification of potential hazards.
Public awareness is another crucial element. Visitors should be informed about the safety standards they should expect at funfairs. Encouraging the public to report any visible safety concerns can help authorities take prompt action. A well-informed public is better equipped to make safe choices and demand higher standards from funfair operators.
The media also plays a vital role in highlighting these issues. Responsible reporting that goes beyond sensationalism to provide detailed information about the safety of funfairs can create pressure for better regulatory practices. By focusing on the importance of safety and accountability, media coverage can drive positive change and protect the public from potential harm.
In conclusion, while travelling funfairs bring undeniable joy and economic benefits to local communities, ensuring their safety is paramount. By implementing stringent safety measures, enforcing regulatory standards, and fostering a culture of accountability, we can preserve the magic of funfairs while protecting the well-being of those who enjoy them. As we celebrate the vibrant atmosphere and shared happiness these funfairs bring, let us also commit to making them safe for everyone. Until these necessary changes are made, it’s essential for visitors to remain vigilant and prioritize their safety during these delightful outings.