Talking to The Indian Express here, Deputy Commissioner Jasbir Singh Bir said the step has been taken in view of the increasing number of such shows in the district and it was felt that a ban must be imposed to check the trend. The Deputy Commissioner stated that organisers will now have to take permission from the district magistrate in advance and that all the municipal councils have been instructed not to allow any body to organise such shows or melas without the prior approval of the administration.

He said the organisers will have to get no objection certificate from the police department, sub-divisional magistrate and assistant, Excise and Taxation department, before going ahead with their plans. The organisers have to obtain no objection certificate -- from the Public Works Department for the safety of the structure put up by them; from the Punjab State Electricity Board for power connection; from the fire-brigade department regarding fire-safety measures; and from the Mechanical Wing of the Public Works Department in advance before installing the swings.

The administration will now fix the responsibility of mela officers for any mishap, Bir said. He added that gambling would not be allowed during the melas, also, before giving the permission, the administration will ensure that sufficient appropriate steps are taken to ensure that no untoward incident occurs during such shows.

Bir claimed that the administration will also not allow any type of exploitation during the melas or the shows. He said if the administration feels that the shows are not meeting the set standards, it can be banned even if prior approval has already been given.

The Deputy Commissioner stated that the organisers will collect entertainment tax according to the rates prescribed by the Excise and Taxation Department and violators be punished according to the law.