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Time of India
21-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
No regn of structures on rooftops, says KMC
1 2 Kolkata: After deciding not to sanction structures on terraces of multi-storeyed residential and commercial buildings and declining mutation of open roofs/rooftops/terraces, the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) has requested the inspector general of registration and commissioner of stamp revenue to stop registration of deeds for the transfer, conveyance, or sale of rooftops or terraces. Municipal commissioner Dhaval Jain wrote to the IG (Registration) on Tuesday, urging him to ensure that terrace properties are not registered. Jain informed the IG (Registration) that Rule 117 (4) of the KMC Building Rules (2009) that states, "Every terrace on the topmost storey of any building shall have a common access and shall not be subdivided." It also pointed out that access to the terrace through the staircase and common corridors should be unhindered to avoid untoward incidents like fire hazards. Mayor Firhad Hakim has been vocal against sale of terraces in buildings and said they should be used only as a fire refuge. "We should take a lesson from the fire that broke out on Park Street last June. I still shudder when I think about the deaths when a fire engulfed Stephen Court and those inside found the door to the rooftop locked," Hakim said. Several rooftop restaurants have been served notices after the fire at a hotel near Mechhua wholesale fruit market. Though 14 people died in the fire, many more lives were saved because people could take refuge in the terrace. KMC then started a crackdown on restaurants and lounges operating from rooftops.
Time of India
05-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Rooftop restaurant face KMC-cop heat, set to move Calcutta HC
KOLKATA: Rooftop restaurant owners, asked to shut down by the KMC and police, have planned to move Calcutta High Court on Monday. Both agencies continue issuing notices for roof access violations and unsafe, unauthorized constructions. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now To maintain pressure on rooftop cafes, lounges, and bar-cum-restaurants, the KMC buildings department cancelled inspectors' and officials' leaves on Sunday. Though demolition work was paused for a day, officials were directed to serve closure notices. Police have also initiated a fire audit, with a 35-point questionnaire for all restaurants operating in Kolkata. On Sunday, the National Restaurant Association of India said while rule-flouters should face action, 'random closure notices' have prompted them to seek legal recourse. NRAI president Sagar Daryani said: 'The rule-flouters should face action, why should all establishments have to shut shop? Yes, we will take legal recourse against it. People who received notices despite all compliances will definitely take legal recourse. Why were the licences issued in the first place?' KMC is issuing notices under two sections. The first one is under section 117 (4) of the KMC Building Rules, which states, 'Every terrace on the topmost storey of any building shall have a common access and shall not be subdivided.' The other notices are under Section 400 of these rules, which allows the municipal commissioner to order demolition or stoppage of illegal construction that violates rules. On Saturday, Whatsup Café received a notice under Section 117 (A), while the Celica Park management received the Section 400 notice. According to a senior lawyer consulted by the restaurant owners, 'Any penal action has to be taken after providing an opportunity of defence. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Here, there are restaurants functioning with all valid licenses — trade, fire, FSSAI, excise — that cannot be asked to shut down hours within issuing notices. The petitions will be moved by individual restaurant owners on Monday and Tuesday.' Daryani added, 'This is a sensitive issue. The restaurant industry is the largest job creator in Kolkata. It is putting a question mark on employment and business.' This situation arose in the backdrop of KMC officials visiting several rooftop restaurants in the Park Street-Theatre Road belt, extending up to Park Circus market, on Sunday. This belt and the Karaya area, which fall under borough VII, have the highest number of rooftop cafes, bars, and restaurants, confirmed a KMC official. According to the list that Kolkata police sent to the KMC, borough VII has 19 rooftop cafes, bars, and restaurants, whereas a preliminary list prepared by the KMC indicates the presence of 28-30 such facilities in borough VII. Apart from this borough, civic officials were sent to some central Kolkata areas, including BBD Bag, to serve the notices. A separate team from borough XII went to several rooftop joints in the Kasba-Garfa belt, sources said. 'We have served notices asking owners of the rooftop cafes, lounges, and restaurants to shut these joints immediately on their own. Or else we will be compelled to shut them down. If need be, we will demolish all illegal structures,' said a KMC buildings department official. (With inputs by Tamaghna Banerjee)
Indian Express
04-05-2025
- Business
- Indian Express
Kolkata police send list of 83 rooftop restaurants to municipal corporation for crackdown
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.
Business Upturn
03-05-2025
- Business
- Business Upturn
Are Kolkata's rooftop restaurants getting closed? Here is what the Mayor says
By Aditya Bhagchandani Published on May 3, 2025, 14:07 IST In the wake of the recent Barabazar fire that claimed 14 lives, the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) has announced a sweeping crackdown on rooftop restaurants and illegal commercial structures atop buildings. Citing safety violations and invoking Section 117(4) of the KMC Building Rules, 2009, the civic body will now issue formal shutdown notices to rooftop restaurant operators across the city. Mayor Firhad Hakim, while confirming the move, stated, 'A roof, like a staircase, is not owned by anyone and cannot be sold. Rooftops are meant for common use. Commercial use is illegal.' He added that failure to comply with the notice will result in strict legal action and immediate closure. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Taaza TV (@taazatvchannel) The Mayor also revealed that KMC has sought assistance from the Kolkata Police to identify and act against such setups. A monitoring committee is being formed to oversee the enforcement. 'As per the KMC notification, there will be no rooftop restaurants in Kolkata,' Hakim emphasized. Earlier, Business Upturn reported that six well-known restaurants inside Magma House on Park Street were shut down following a surprise inspection by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. During her visit, Banerjee cited serious fire safety lapses and described the building as a 'tinderbox.' Kolkata crackdown: Six Park Street restaurants shut after Mamata Banerjee terms Magma House a 'tinderbox' According to a report by TaazaTV , Banerjee's unannounced visit came just two days after the Hotel Rituraj fire in Burrabazar. At 24 Park Street, she pointed out narrow staircases, limited exits, and the dangerous use of LPG cylinders in multiple eateries. Following the inspection, Kolkata Police confiscated gas cylinders, and six establishments—LMNOQ, Barbeque Nation, Black Cat, Moti Mahal, Destination 16, and another unnamed restaurant—were forced to halt operations. Banerjee has since instructed the Kolkata Police Commissioner, the KMC Mayor, and the State Fire Minister to launch an urgent fire safety investigation, stating firmly, 'Public safety cannot be compromised.' Aditya Bhagchandani serves as the Senior Editor and Writer at Business Upturn, where he leads coverage across the Business, Finance, Corporate, and Stock Market segments. With a keen eye for detail and a commitment to journalistic integrity, he not only contributes insightful articles but also oversees editorial direction for the reporting team.
