August 28, Thursday: Kolkata's crowded rooftop restaurants, shut for four months, can reopen to diners in the near future. Times of India reports that a civic task force has finalized a fire-safety SOP that has to be adopted by restaurant owners. Restaurant owners have to file compliance undertakings by September 15, followed by a fire audit within three months. Any restaurant found non-compliant would be shut down forthwith.
Safety comes before business
As per the new SOP, at least half of the terrace space must remain open as a fire refuge. No construction work, furniture or any furnishing will be permitted in this area. Along with this separate entry and exit routes must be created, and the staircases must remain free of encroachment so residents can reach the terrace if any emergencies arise. Inflammable roofing materials, open fire cooking, and storage of gas cylinders are strictly prohibited.
Urban development minister and Kolkata mayor Firhad Hakim, who heads the task force, reiterated the priority of safety above profit. Reflecting on the 2010 Stephen Court fire tragedy, he said, "I still shudder to think of the unfortunate people who found the door to the rooftop locked when fire engulfed Stephen Court."
No new approvals and strict checking
As reported by Times of India, the KMC has made it clear that there will be no new approvals for rooftop restaurants in new constructions, whether residential or commercial. The report further states that as per the KMC building regulations, promoters cannot sell terraces or construct anything there without approval from the civic body.
Records of the building department quoted by Times of India also showed that a majority of rooftop restaurants earlier served notices did not produce authentic documents showing they had permission. Owners now have to approach for regularisation while following strictly fire-safety norms. The task force has also suggested a state-wide fire audit of the entire commercial and residential structures, "We won't compromise with fire safety and may need to take stern steps against the errant owners". Hakim
added as a reaction to a series of fire accidents, including a fire that claimed life at the Rituraj Hotel in May 2025.
