The Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) has initiated a stringent crackdown on rooftop restaurants across the city, citing safety concerns and violations of regulations. Following a recent policy decision, the civic body has begun serving notices to numerous establishments, including popular ones, directing them to dismantle any unauthorised constructions or face legal repercussions.
On Saturday, Kolkata Police compiled a list of 83 rooftop restaurants within the KMC area. This list was then shared with the KMC to aid in their crackdown on these establishments due to safety concerns and violations of building regulations.
The list includes several well-known restaurants such as Blue & Beyond, Hoppipola, Whatsup Cafe, The Sky Story, Roots, Oris, The Golden Park, Drunken Teddy, Scrap Yard, LMNOQ, Hashtag, Soul, Altera, The Astor, Park Street Social, QAIQAI, The Lords & Barons, Eating House-cum-Restaurant, Cloud Tavern, Club Kolkata Mixstape, and Romaania Kanha Confectionery, among others located across various parts of the city.
This decisive action comes after the KMC announced a ban on granting fresh approvals for new rooftop restaurants.
Officials have also indicated a review of existing permissions, with the possibility of revocation if deemed necessary. The move is underscored by a circular issued on May 2 by the Municipal Commissioner’s office, outlining a set of “do’s and don’ts” for all restaurants in the wake of a fire incident at Hotel Rituraj.
According to a senior KMC official, “We have started sending notices to rooftop restaurants asking them to pull down portions that have been illegally constructed or added to the existing structure. The notice says the owner will face legal action unless the unauthorised portion is pulled down.”
The KMC’s actions are rooted in Rule 117(4) of the KMC Building Rules, 2009, which mandates unobstructed common access to building terraces and prohibits their subdivision. The civic body emphasises the critical importance of maintaining clear pathways, staircases, and corridors to ensure easy access to rooftops, especially in emergency situations like fire hazards. The circular explicitly states that “Door / doors to access to the roof cannot be kept locked and sealed” and “No materials should be dumped over the corridors, common passages, common area and near the opening of the roof.”
Furthermore, the KMC’s directive extends to the ownership and mutation of rooftop spaces. The circular explicitly bars the Assessment-Collection Department from allowing any separate mutation of open roofs or topmost terraces in multi-unit buildings, reinforcing the principle that these areas are common for all residents.
On Friday, Mayor Firhad Hakim announced the blanket shutdown of all rooftop restaurants, bars, cafés, and lounges, signalling the KMC’s firm stance on the issue.
As per sources, Borough VII, encompassing areas like Park Street, Loudon Street, Theatre Road, and Park Circus, has the highest concentration, with an estimated 28-30 such venues. Areas off the EM Bypass, within the Kasba-Garfa belt, also house around 15 rooftop bars and restaurants.
However, the KMC’s sweeping measures have drawn criticism. BJP leader Dr Indranil Khan questioned the logic behind a blanket ban, stating, “The blanket ban on rooftop restaurants in Kolkata corporation area defies logic.” He said the authorities should focus on enforcement of fire safety standards in these restaurants instead of arbitrarily banning all.
Dr Khan further emphasised the need for broader fire safety enforcement across all types of buildings and removing road encroachments that impede emergency services. “Arbitrarily banning rooftop restaurants that follow fire safety norms and serve as popular networking sites of the youth is akin to asking all cars to stay off roads to avoid road accidents coz of a malfunctioning brake failed car,” he added.