Mumbai: The fire at Kamala Mills Compound has raised a huge question mark over the fate of rooftop restaurants in the city. Illegalities found on the rooftops of 1 Above and Mojo’s Bristo pubs have highlighted security concerns in such restaurants.
Last month, the BMC had issued a circular permitting restaurants to operate on their terraces and serve food at their rooftop. The approval was given with certain riders that the terraces should be kept open and proper safety and security measures shall be ensured by the licencee.
However, in 1 Above and Mojo’s Bristo pubs it was found that rooftops were covered illegally with bamboo and plastic sheets. It helped the fire to spread rapidly, due to which 14 people were killed. “It shows that the rooftop policy should be implemented with utmost care. The terms and conditions of this policy should be implemented strictly,” said a civic official.
According to civic activists, the disaster was waiting to happen at Kamala Mills Compound, which has more than 50 restaurants and eateries on its premises. Several complaints have been filed regarding illegal constructions and violation of fire safety norms, but civic and police officials have turned a blind eye to them, they said.
Activist Mangesh Kalaskar said he had made several complaints regarding illegal structures in Kamala Mills premises, but the BMC had said that there was nothing wrong.
RTI activist Anil Galgali said, “I had registered a complaint to Mumbai police on twitter about the irregularities at Kamala Mills Compound. Taking note of this, they had asked NM Joshi Police station to act on this. But nothing happened later. The BMC, fire and police officials are hand in glove with restaurants owners.”
Meanwhile, In view of December 31 gathering in various restaurants, Mr Mehta has directed all zonal deputy commissioners and ward assistant commissioners to inspect fire safety of all city restaurants.
