Curation Team
KOLKATA: The state urban development and municipal affairs department on Friday banned any new rooftop construction on residential buildings across the state. Even the existing rooftop establishments in residential buildings will have to be discontinued and the rooftop restored for common use by the building’s residents, an SOP issued by the department mentioned on Friday.
Existing commercial rooftop establishments in non-residential buildings can continue to operate so long as they occupy only half the space and leave the rest for use as a refuge in case of fire or any other emergency. Buildings with rooftop establishments are also required to have two access points that are free of any obstacles.
The SOP, to regulate rooftop construction and usage in residential and non-residential buildings, which had earlier been outlined by the KMC, paves the way for rooftop restaurants—closed since May 2—to reopen ahead of Durga Puja.
Buildings on the heritage list are required to obtain clearance from the heritage conservation committee, along with approval from civic authorities, before using the rooftop for food or beverage service.
