On a busy Friday evening, the heart of Kolkata’s nightlife-Park Street-witnessed a dramatic turn of events. The Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) sent a demolition team to a well-known rooftop hangout, LMNOQ Skybar, located atop Celica House, to tear down parts of its structure. This action was not sudden but the result of a series of concerns and official warnings that had built up over time.
Why Rooftop Restaurants Came Under Scrutiny
Recently, Kolkata has seen a surge in rooftop restaurants, especially in the Park Street area. These places are popular for their views and ambiance. However, a tragic hotel fire in the city that claimed 14 lives shocked everyone and put a spotlight on safety in high-rise public spaces.
Following this incident, the Chief Minister made a surprise visit to several rooftop eateries. During her inspection, she raised serious concerns about fire safety. She pointed out that thousands of people could be trapped in case of a fire because the stairs were too narrow, and elevators would not work during such emergencies. This concern was especially relevant for LMNOQ Skybar, which sits on the 12th floor and attracts large crowds.
The Immediate Trigger: Fire Safety and Illegal Construction
The main reasons behind the demolition were:
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Fire Safety Violations: The civic body found that the rooftop restaurant did not follow fire safety rules. There were too many LPG cylinders stored in unsafe places, partially blocking the entry and exit points. In an emergency, this could make evacuation difficult or even impossible.
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Illegal Construction: According to the KMC, the rooftop is meant to be a common space and cannot be sold or used for commercial purposes without proper permission. The mayor emphasized that terraces should be kept clear as refuge areas during fires, not turned into crowded eateries.
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Official Warnings Ignored: LMNOQ Skybar had already been served a notice to remove illegal structures. When the owners failed to comply, the KMC acted by demolishing the unauthorized portions.
How Did the Civic Body Act?
On Friday, the KMC team arrived at the rooftop pub and began demolition, which lasted about an hour. This was part of a larger crackdown that saw six restaurants in the Celica Park complex shut down temporarily after the Chief Minister’s inspection. The police also confiscated LPG cylinders, stating these would only be returned once the restaurants obtained proper fire safety certificates.
What Happened to Other Restaurants?
Other popular eateries in the same complex, like The Black Cat Lounge, Boujee House, AMPM, Moti Mahal Delux, and Barbeque Nation, were also affected. While some reopened with limited menus-using induction stoves instead of LPG-others remained closed for “maintenance” or awaited further instructions from authorities.
Balancing Safety and Business
This incident highlights a tough balancing act for the city. Rooftop restaurants are loved by many and contribute to the city’s vibrant nightlife. But when safety is at risk, the authorities have to step in. The mayor and fire officials made it clear that public safety comes first. They stressed that terraces must remain accessible and free of blockages, especially in high-rise buildings where quick evacuation can save lives.
On the other hand, restaurant owners and the Celica Group (which owns the building) insisted they follow all safety norms, including having gas leak detectors, alarms, and 24/7 CCTV monitoring. They expressed willingness to cooperate with the administration and address any misunderstandings.
What’s Next for Rooftop Restaurants in Kolkata?
The KMC has ordered the closure of all rooftop restaurants in the city until further notice. They are now surveying every borough to identify such establishments and ensure they meet all safety requirements. The mayor has also suggested that rooftop eateries should move to lower floors or other locations to prevent similar risks in the future.
The demolition of illegal portions of the popular rooftop hangout on Park Street was the result of serious safety concerns and violations of building rules. While it has disrupted the city’s social scene, the move underlines the importance of putting safety before business interests. As the authorities and restaurant owners work together to find a solution, one thing is clear: public spaces, especially in high-rise buildings, must be safe for everyone who visits them.
With inputs from agencies
Image Source: Multiple agencies
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