Kolkata Municipal Corporation Extends Fire Safety Deadline for Rooftop Restaurants
The Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) buildings department has significantly softened its previously strict stance regarding the closure of rooftop restaurants that failed to meet upgraded mandatory fire safety norms within the specified timeframe. In a notable policy shift, civic authorities have decided to implement a deliberate 'go-slow' approach on closure actions, granting additional time to non-compliant establishments to undertake necessary safety upgrades before any final decisions on shutting them down are enforced.
From Closure Notices to a Wait-and-Watch Strategy
Initially, the KMC had planned to issue formal closure notices to owners of rooftop restaurants that did not comply with the enhanced fire safety regulations. However, recognizing that numerous restaurant owners have kept their establishments temporarily closed due to infrastructural challenges preventing immediate upgrades, the buildings department has been instructed to adopt a more lenient, phased enforcement strategy. This revised policy aims to provide ample opportunity for errant restaurants to rectify deficiencies and resume operations safely.
Surprise Inspections Reveal Widespread Non-Compliance
A joint inspection team comprising officials from the state fire services department, KMC, and local police conducted a surprise drive across the city's rooftop restaurants in December. This comprehensive 10-day initiative, commencing on December 9, meticulously assessed existing fire safety measures against mandatory standards. The comparative analysis uncovered significant anomalies and shortcomings at multiple locations, with restaurant owners advised that rectification was essential for continued operation.
A KMC buildings department source disclosed that, out of 83 restaurants surveyed, the majority had not achieved the required fire safety benchmarks. Exceptions were noted only in specific areas like the Chowringhee-Camac Street-Theatre Road belt and parts of the Gariahat-Ballygunge belt. "While approximately two dozen restaurants had successfully upgraded their fire safety measures, others lagged considerably behind. Alarmingly, some owners opted not to reopen at all," a KMC official stated.
Mandatory Fire Safety Upgrades Outlined
The upgraded fire safety norms were established by a special task force prior to Durga Puja as a mandatory precondition for rooftop restaurants to reopen. Key requirements include:
- Reserving 50% of terrace space as a designated fire refuge area
- Using only non-inflammable materials for shades and coverings
- Prohibiting open-fire cooking on rooftops
- Banning storage of gas cylinders on rooftop premises
- Ensuring stairways to terraces remain clutter-free for emergency access
Civic Authorities Grant Grace Period for Compliance
According to KMC officials, many rooftop restaurants were unprepared for the stringent inspections. "We observed satisfactory upgrade work at some establishments, while others were still in the process of implementation. Consequently, we have decided to allow additional time for compliance. While we acknowledge the proactive steps taken by certain restaurants, those showing insufficient initiative are receiving formal warnings," explained a civic representative. This measured approach balances public safety concerns with practical considerations for business operators, reflecting a nuanced governance strategy in urban regulatory enforcement.
