Kolkata Municipal Corporation Takes Action on Rooftop Restaurant Fire Safety
The Kolkata Municipal Corporation has identified twenty-seven rooftop restaurants that failed to upgrade their fire safety measures. These establishments did not follow the guidelines established by a state fire safety committee.
Surprise Inspections Reveal Non-Compliance
A joint inspection team caught these restaurants off guard. The team included officials from the state fire services department, the KMC buildings department, and local police. They conducted a surprise drive across the city's rooftop dining spots.
The inspections revealed several critical safety anomalies. Restaurant owners must now rectify these issues promptly to avoid severe consequences.
Mandatory Fire Safety Upgrades Outlined
A special task force set upgraded fire safety norms before Durga Puja. These norms served as a precondition for rooftop restaurants to reopen their establishments. The mandatory measures include several key requirements.
- Restaurant owners must keep fifty percent of the terrace space open. This area will serve as a fire refuge during emergencies.
- All shades and coverings must use non-inflammable materials. Flammable materials pose a significant fire hazard.
- Cooking on an open fire is strictly prohibited on the rooftop. No gas cylinders can be stored in these areas either.
- The stairs leading to the terraces must remain free of clutter. Clear access is essential for quick evacuation.
Notices Issued with Strict Deadline
After consulting with Mayor Firhad Hakim, the KMC started sending formal notices to the owners of the errant restaurants. Mayor Hakim also chairs the fire safety committee. The notices demand effective steps to upgrade fire safety measures within fifteen days.
A KMC source confirmed this development. Failure to comply will result in serious actions against the establishments.
Potential Closure for Non-Compliant Restaurants
An official stated that further visits will occur after the expiry of the stipulated time. If restaurants still violate the norms, authorities will issue closure orders. These orders will mandate the shutdown of the non-compliant establishments.
The joint team's findings highlight widespread issues. Restaurant owners need to address these fire safety gaps urgently to keep their businesses open.
Ten-Day Drive Assesses Safety Measures
A ten-day drive began on December ninth. It noted the existing fire safety measures at these restaurants. Officials then compared these measures with the mandatory requirements.
The comparison showed that several rooftop restaurants still lack the mandatory fire safety upgrades. Many have not reached the necessary standard to operate safely.
Survey Reveals Widespread Deficiencies
A KMC buildings department official provided more details. The survey covered eighty-three restaurants across Kolkata. Only a few rooftop restaurants in the Chowringhee-Camac Street-Theatre Road belt and some in the Gariahat-Ballygunge belt showed satisfactory compliance.
The majority of the surveyed restaurants failed to meet the required fire safety standard. The official expressed concern over the current situation.
"While we found upgrade work in some restaurants satisfactory, some restaurants are still engaged in the upgrade work, and in fifty percent of cases the fire safety upgrade work was far from satisfactory," said the official.
Previous Opportunities for Compliance
According to a civic official, rooftop facility owners received an opportunity earlier. They could submit an indemnity bond based on their declaration. This process allowed them to reopen their establishments after September fifteenth.
Those who reopened received clear instructions. They needed to take corrective measures to meet the fire safety norms. The authorities showed some leniency to support business continuity.
"We decided to give some more time to the owners of the errant restaurants to give them an opportunity to carry on with the business unhindered. If they cooperate, it is fine. Otherwise, we will be compelled to issue a closure notice," said a civic official.
The KMC emphasizes cooperation from restaurant owners. Timely upgrades will ensure public safety and uninterrupted business operations.
