Rooftop policy to go ahead with stringent norms

Mumbai: Despite the Kamala Mills Compound fire tragedy, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is thinking of implementing the ‘Rooftop Restaurant’ policy, albeit with stringent norms as chief minister Devendra Fadnavis wants to encourage hotel business in Mumbai. Pressure from hoteliers and state government has compelled the BMC to go ahead with the rooftop policy. However, to avoid criticism, the government is likely to regulate it. The BMC had earlier approved the rooftop policy after receiving instructions from the CM.

National Hotel Restaurant Association of India President Riaz Amalani had met Mr Fadnavis along with MP Poonam Mahajan and requested him to resolve the various issues faced by the hoteliers. While Yuva Sena leader Aaditya Thackeray was also pushing for rooftop restaurants, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders have been opposing it. However, after the Kamala Mills tragedy, there was an all party demand to strike down the controversial policy. Most city hotels have been found to be flouting rules and fire safety norms. In fact, even hookah has been found to being illegally served in many restaurants along with pyrotechnics. Yet, due to pressure from the hoteliers, the state government wants to implement the rooftop policy. Space constraints in the city is the argument being offered by those canvassing for these rooftop restaurants, said sources.

The BMC chief has to now finalise norms for the policy as early as possible, to be able to regulate these restaurants.

There are a total of 14 restaurants which have applied for the sanction so far and the BMC is expecting more to follow.

At present, all rooftop restaurants are illegal. A permanent structure or shed of any kind and preparation of food is not permitted. Only prepared food can be served. Even though the policy is good, the hoteliers can misuse these facilities. However, that is not going to prevent it from being implemented, said sources.