Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, May 4, 2025, Kolkata : Following the devastating fire at a hotel in Mechua Bazar, the West Bengal government has launched a city-wide crackdown on unauthorized rooftop businesses. In the wake of the tragedy, which exposed serious lapses in building safety and fire norms, the state administration is taking no chances. Kolkata Mayor Firhad Hakim has already made it clear: rooftop spaces are common areas and cannot be sold, blocked, or commercially exploited.
Now, the Bidhannagar Municipal Corporation (BMC) is set to follow suit. Mayor Krishna Chakraborty has initiated strict measures aimed at shutting down rooftop restaurants, bars, and cafés operating within the corporation’s jurisdiction. In a recent directive, she instructed the councilors of all 41 wards to prepare a comprehensive list of rooftop commercial establishments. This list will then be forwarded to the local police stations for verification and legal action.
“The councilors have been asked to submit details of rooftop restaurants and bars in their respective wards. Once we receive the complete list, it will be handed over to the police for inspection and further steps,” said Mayor Krishna Chakraborty. She also confirmed that she had discussed the matter with the state’s Municipal Affairs and Urban Development Minister, Firhad Hakim.
This enforcement action comes directly in line with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s strong directive after the Barabazar hotel fire, where rooftop operations were blamed for exacerbating the disaster. The Chief Minister emphasized that no rooftop commercial activity would be tolerated across the city. Firhad Hakim reiterated the same in a press briefing last Friday, stating, “No rooftop business can be allowed under any circumstances.”
In a swift response, the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) and Kolkata Police conducted joint inspections across the city. Within 24 hours, they identified 83 high-rise buildings operating unauthorized rooftop eateries, bars, and hookah lounges—many equipped with tin sheds, thermocol canopies, and air-conditioning units in clear violation of safety norms.
With Bidhannagar now moving in the same direction, a sweeping clean-up of rooftop businesses is expected in Salt Lake, Rajarhat, and adjacent areas. The state’s intensified action signals a broader shift towards enforcing fire safety and building compliance regulations more strictly than ever before.