Image Source: Times Now
Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) has directed the closure of all restaurants on the rooftop of all buildings in the city immediately after a fire at the Rituraj Hotel in Burrabazar killed 14 people. The action, following glaring safety failures and rampant flouting of building bylaws, is a dramatic transformation of the city's eating habits and a declaration of a zero-tolerance policy towards non-compliance with fire safety measures.
Key Points
Background: The Triggering Incident
On 29 April, a huge blaze engulfed the Rituraj Hotel at the crowded Burrabazar area, claiming the lives of 14 individuals, two of them children and a female.
Several deaths were caused by suffocation since the visitors were unable to escape due to obstructed or inoperable exits.
Inmediate Government Reaction
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee toured the site, directed increased alertness, and found several fire safety offenses, including kept LPG cylinders in unapproved locations.
The Chief Minister ordered a high-level meeting between the police, municipality, and fire department to sort out safety failures.
KMC's Ban on Rooftop Restaurants
KMC Mayor Firhad Hakim declared an outright ban on all rooftop restaurants and commercial units on top of buildings.
The order is made under Rule 117/4 of the building code, which requires rooftops to be common areas for emergency purposes and cannot be sold or utilized for sole commercial use.
Notices are being served to all rooftop restaurant owners for closure immediately, with stern legal action threatened in case of non-compliance.
Enforcement and Inspections
A citywide survey is being conducted to locate all rooftop restaurants, with borough-wise action being planned.
Some of the well-known rooftop restaurants in Park Street and other locations have already been served closure notices and closed down.
Police have been instructed to help KMC enforce the directive.
Legal and Safety Rationale
Roof tops have been marked as collective shelter points during emergencies and are required to stay open for evacuation and rescue procedures.
Several roof top establishments were discovered running illegally without due sanction or fire clearances.
The crackdown is subsequent to past rooftop fire incidents and frequent complaints against unauthorized construction and obstructed accessibility.
Effect on City Life
The prohibition influences scores of rooftop restaurants, which are a regular attraction of Kolkata's city pleasure and nightlife.
The decision has left many restaurant owners and consumers stunned but is generally viewed as essential to avoid further disasters.
Future Action
A senior committee has been constituted to assess fire safety in all business establishments, and a report has to be submitted in 15 days.
KMC is also making a detailed report on the number and position of rooftop restaurants across the city with additional closures likely as the survey gains pace.
Sources: NDTV, The Indian Express, News18, Times Now, Times of India, The Telegraph, New Indian Express, Business Standard
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