KOLKATA: The state’s urban development and municipal affairs department announced on Friday a ban on new rooftop constructions on residential buildings throughout the state. Existing rooftop setups in residential structures must be dismantled, and the rooftops restored for communal use by the residents, according to a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) released by the department.
Current commercial rooftop establishments in non-residential buildings may continue operations, provided they occupy no more than half of the rooftop area, with the remaining space reserved as an emergency refuge. Additionally, buildings featuring rooftop establishments must maintain two unobstructed access points.
This SOP aims to regulate rooftop construction and usage across both residential and non-residential structures and aligns with the guidelines initially proposed by the KMC. This opens the door for rooftop restaurants, which have been closed since May 2, to reopen in time for Durga Puja festivities.
Buildings on the heritage list must secure approval from the heritage conservation committee as well as local authorities before utilizing rooftops for food or beverage services.
