Are Kolkata's Rooftop Restaurants Operating Illegally After Durga Puja?
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Synopsis
In a bid to protect public safety, the KMC and Kolkata Police are launching unexpected inspections of rooftop restaurants that may have opened illegally during Durga Puja. This initiative follows a tragic fire incident, aiming to enforce regulations and ensure compliance.
Key Takeaways
- KMC and Kolkata Police are conducting surprise inspections.
- Only 21 out of 83 rooftop restaurants obtained necessary permissions.
- Inspections aim to enforce regulatory compliance.
- Previously, operations were allowed on humanitarian grounds during Durga Puja.
- Safety measures are crucial following a tragic fire incident.
Kolkata, Oct 11 (NationPress) The Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) along with the Kolkata Police is set to initiate surprise inspections of rooftop restaurants throughout the city that reportedly operated without necessary civic permissions and oversight during the recent festive period, as confirmed by a KMC representative on Saturday.
A senior official from KMC stated that the collaborative enforcement initiative is designed to uncover and impose strict penalties on establishments that have violated regulations.
According to the licensing department, only 21 out of 83 rooftop restaurants had submitted online applications for operation. However, there are claims that others commenced operations without paying the required bond and evading the established rules. Strict measures will be taken against such violators,” the official elaborated.
The official also noted that the KMC permitted rooftop restaurants to function during the festive season on humanitarian grounds to prevent financial setbacks during Durga Puja.
This enforcement action follows a significant fire incident at a rooftop restaurant in the Mechua market area last April that tragically resulted in the deaths of 14 individuals. After this incident, the KMC imposed rigorous restrictions on the operations of all commercial rooftop venues, including hotels and restaurants in Kolkata.
As a temporary relief measure to safeguard businesses during the Durga Puja festivities, the civic authority allowed certain rooftop restaurants to operate for a period of three months, contingent upon the submission of a bond to the fire department, police, and KMC.
To facilitate this process, KMC established a dedicated counter within its licensing department. Out of the 83 rooftop restaurants in Kolkata, merely 21 were able to commence operations prior to Durga Puja after providing the necessary bond.
Nevertheless, it has come to light that numerous other establishments continued to function during the festive period without the required KMC authorization or oversight.
Consequently, the police and KMC have initiated information collection to pinpoint such restaurants. Officials from the civic body will also carry out surprise checks, assessing whether the restaurants are operating, reviewing their logbooks and digital transactions, and confirming the presence of gas cylinders to ascertain if they were active during Durga Puja.
A civic official suggested that some rooftop restaurants might be trying to evade the bond fee or are leveraging their influence to circumvent regulations.
“A team consisting of selected officials from KMC, police, and the fire department is being assembled. Surprise inspections will commence today, and any irregularities discovered will be addressed according to the established rules,” the official concluded.
Point of View
I emphasize the importance of maintaining safety standards in the hospitality industry. The KMC's decision to scrutinize rooftop restaurants is not only a regulatory necessity but a moral obligation to protect the public. Balancing business interests with public safety is crucial, especially in the wake of tragic incidents.
NationPress
12/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the KMC and Kolkata Police to inspect rooftop restaurants?
The inspections were prompted by reports of rooftop restaurants operating without necessary permissions, following a tragic fire incident that highlighted safety concerns.
How many rooftop restaurants opened legally during Durga Puja?
Only 21 out of 83 rooftop restaurants applied for and received the necessary permissions to operate during the Durga Puja festival.
What actions will be taken against unauthorized rooftop restaurants?
The KMC and police will conduct surprise inspections and take strict action against any establishments found to be operating illegally.
Why were some rooftop restaurants allowed to operate during the festival?
The KMC permitted certain rooftop restaurants to operate during Durga Puja to prevent financial losses, provided they submitted a bond to the relevant authorities.
What measures are being implemented to ensure compliance?
Surprise inspections will be carried out to verify operations, check logbooks, digital transactions, and the presence of safety equipment like gas cylinders.
