Kolkata Tightens Rooftop Eateries Safety Regulations to Prevent Fire Hazards
News Mania Desk/ Agnibeena Ghosh/23rd June 2024
The Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) is set to implement stricter safety checks for rooftop eateries, cafes, and other establishments, announced Mayor Firhad Hakim on Saturday. These checks are aimed at ensuring the necessary emergency rescue operations can be conducted efficiently in case of incidents like fires.
Mayor Hakim emphasized that in addition to a sanctioned building plan, proprietors intending to set up businesses on rooftops must also obtain a “no-objection certificate” (NOC) from co-owners of the building. “Before granting any clearance for a rooftop establishment, we will verify that proper provisions for rescue operations are in place,” Hakim stated.
Hakim pointed out that many apartment owners are often unaware of the rooftop’s condition, which can sometimes be neglected, leading to blocked water outlets and general uncleanliness. Additionally, when building owners lease parts of the rooftop, co-owners might remain uninformed.
To address this, the KMC now requires building owners to submit an NOC from co-owners for any proposed rooftop establishment. This measure follows recent incidents highlighting the dangers associated with rooftop venues. Just a fortnight ago, a significant fire broke out at a closed rooftop joint on Camac Street. Another fire soon after in the Acropolis Mall’s food court necessitated the evacuation of hundreds from the 21-story building.
In response to these incidents, senior KMC officials have convened to address the rising number of rooftop cafes in Kolkata. A dedicated team will survey these commercial establishments, focusing on their kitchen facilities and ensuring that all necessary clearances have been obtained.
Mayor Hakim expressed frustration over the proliferation of rooftop establishments without KMC’s knowledge. He has directed officials to provide a detailed report within a week. Despite public criticism that such unauthorized establishments might go unnoticed by local councillors, Hakim defended them, stating that it is not always feasible for ward councillors to inspect rooftops regularly.
According to senior fire department officials, a crucial requirement for fire safety clearance is ensuring the rooftop has adequate space for people to assemble safely during emergencies. “The refuge area must be spacious enough to accommodate people without causing congestion,” a senior official explained. It was noted that the original design of Acropolis did not include a rooftop restaurant.
Regarding the Acropolis incident, Mayor Hakim mentioned discussions with Sujit Bose, the minister in charge of fire and emergency services, concerning the reopening of offices in the building. The mall has been closed since the fire on June 14. Hakim stressed that reopening could only occur after meeting all fire safety requirements and restoring power connections.
In summary, the KMC’s new regulations are aimed at preventing fire hazards and ensuring the safety of patrons and residents. By requiring comprehensive safety measures and proper documentation, the corporation seeks to mitigate the risks associated with rooftop establishments. This proactive approach reflects a commitment to public safety in the wake of recent incidents, underscoring the importance of stringent regulatory oversight for urban infrastructure.
