Rooftop razing: KMC presses pause button with 15-day notice rider
Times of India | 6 May 2025
Kolkata: The KMC will continue its drive against rooftop cafes, lounges, and bar-cum-restaurants constructed without sanction but will not carry out demolitions without adopting adequate legal procedures, mayor Firhad Hakim said on Monday. While KMC will continue to serve notices to the errant establishments, it will take action only after the expiry of the 15-day mandatory notice period. This will ensure compliance with the court order, said a KMC official.
According to Hakim, KMC was exploring all possibilities to prevent the outright sale of roofs, as it will endanger the lives of residents of the buildings in the event of a fire. "Can a roof be sold partly or entirely, as the idea is contrary to the KMC building rules? I will ask the KMC legal experts to delve deep into the issue and come out with a solution," said Hakim.
You Can Also Check: Kolkata AQI | Weather in Kolkata | Bank Holidays in Kolkata | Public Holidays in Kolkata
The mayor felt it was the right of the residents of a multi-storied building to access the roof, as the roof, like the stairs, is regarded as common space as far as the KMC building rules are concerned. "We can't play with the lives of innocent residents of a building simply because a roof is sold out for a commercial venture," said Hakim.
Later, the mayor said he would ask the fire services department to conduct a fire audit at the guest houses, restaurants, and rooftop lounges. "The memory of the Stephen Court fire is still fresh in our minds. Many jumped to death out of panic as they couldn't access the roof, which was shut," said Hakim.
According to a KMC buildings department source, the inspectors were asked to keep a close watch on the rooftop restaurants that were served notices. "We were asked to take a wait-and-watch policy as far as demolition of the unauthorised rooftop restaurants is concerned. Right now, we are concentrating on preparing a list of rooftop bars and restaurants that have grossly flouted the rules and are still continuing with the business. We may need to conduct a drive after the expiry of the notice period," said a senior KMC buildings department official.
A civic official posted at the headquarters said the buildings department and the trade licence department were searching for the rooftop restaurants that are being run with permission from these two departments. "Even if we have given some sort of permission, that does not mean we will keep our eyes closed even if there is a fire threat. We will reconsider extending our support when it comes to the renewal of trade licences," said a KMC official.