Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, May 23, 2025, Kolkata : The Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) has launched a decisive crackdown on rooftop restaurants and cafes across the city, citing serious safety concerns and violations of building regulations. This move follows the recent fire incident at Mechua Bazar and a subsequent directive from Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee urging immediate action to prevent similar disasters. The KMC has taken the bold step of halting the mutation process for rooftop spaces and has issued a formal request to the Registration and Stamp Revenue Commissioner to stop the registration of any such establishments.
A list of 83 rooftop restaurants was compiled by the Kolkata Police and shared with the KMC to aid in their crackdown. This list includes well-known venues such as Blue & Beyond, Hoppipola, Whatsup Cafe, The Sky Story, Roots, The Golden Park, and several others scattered across different parts of the city. The KMC’s action targets not only new rooftop restaurants but also reviews the validity of existing permissions, with the potential for revocation if the buildings fail to comply with the regulations.
The crackdown follows the KMC’s announcement of a ban on granting fresh approvals for rooftop restaurants. Officials have stressed the importance of enforcing safety regulations, especially in light of the fire at Hotel Rituraj, which prompted a more stringent policy for all eateries in the city. The KMC’s Municipal Commissioner, Dhabal Jain, had previously sent a letter to the IG Registration Stamp Revenue, as well as the Commissioner and Directorate of Registration and Stamp Revenue, requesting a halt to all rooftop restaurant registrations.
According to a senior official from the KMC, notices have been sent to rooftop establishments urging them to dismantle any unauthorised structures or face legal action. These notices warn restaurant owners of severe consequences unless they comply with the order to remove illegal constructions. The move is in line with Rule 117(4) of the KMC Building Rules, 2009, which mandates that rooftop spaces remain unobstructed and accessible, particularly in the event of emergencies such as fires.
In addition to these directives, the KMC has emphasized the need for clear access to rooftops, which cannot be locked or obstructed, ensuring that emergency personnel can quickly reach the top floors if required. The municipal body also stressed that materials must not be stored in common areas, corridors, or near roof openings, reinforcing the principle of keeping these spaces safe and accessible for all building residents.
A circular issued on May 2 further highlights these regulations, providing detailed guidelines for the management of rooftop spaces and underscoring that such areas are to remain common to all residents of a multi-unit building. The circular also restricts the mutation or subdivision of rooftop areas, ensuring that they cannot be privately owned or designated for exclusive use.
On Friday, Kolkata’s Mayor Firhad Hakim made a significant announcement regarding the complete shutdown of all rooftop restaurants, bars, cafes, and lounges within the city. The move reflects the KMC’s firm stance on ensuring public safety and preventing future tragedies. Sources indicate that Borough VII, which includes busy areas like Park Street, Loudon Street, and Theatre Road, houses the largest concentration of rooftop restaurants, with an estimated 28-30 such establishments. Other areas along the EM Bypass and the Kasba-Garfa belt are also home to a significant number of rooftop eateries.
The KMC’s actions have drawn both support and criticism. While many city residents and officials have welcomed the crackdown as a necessary step to improve public safety, opposition leaders, particularly from the BJP, have questioned the blanket ban. Dr. Indranil Khan, a BJP spokesperson, argued that instead of banning rooftop restaurants entirely, authorities should focus on enforcing fire safety standards and ensuring compliance with building regulations. He called the ban “illogical” and stressed that proper safety protocols could prevent accidents without resorting to such drastic measures.
As the KMC continues to enforce its policies, the city’s vibrant rooftop dining scene faces a turbulent period, with many business owners scrambling to comply with the new rules or risk facing legal action. While the crackdown is focused on safety and regulation, the broader implications for Kolkata’s hospitality industry remain to be seen, especially in a city where rooftop venues have become increasingly popular in recent years.