DNA EXCLUSIVE | Despite Kamala Mills fire, rooftop parties get a green signal

Despite Kamala Mills fire that killed 14 persons last month, Municipal Commissioner Ajoy Mehta is firm on his decision to allow rooftop restaurants as long as the owners follow the prescribed safety norms.

“The rooftop policy mandates that the roof remains open towards the sky. Fire at Kamala Mills restaurants was devastating because the owners had violated norms and had covered the eateries. If they had been open restaurants and rooftops, in the true sense of the word, the tragedy would not have occurred,” Mehta said.

The policy also stipulates that no flame is to be used at the rooftop restaurants. This, too, was flouted at Mojo’s Bistro and 1Above restos as not only did they use cooking gas cylinders, but also provided hookahs to their patrons. A wide staircase (1.5 mts) for emergency exit is also a part of the policy.

“The policy has been made with all safeguards in mind. As long as the restaurant owners adhere to all norms, there will be no accidents like Kamala Mills. But if no norms are followed, then nobody is safe,” Mehta said. He also assured that the corporation will be fully focused in ensuring the guidelines were followed to the tee.

Mehta said their focus will be adhering the given guidelines. Asked about hookah parlors, Mehta said the law was clear. “We do not give permissions to hookah parlors. But then, a lot also depends on people to ensure their own safety. Do we not stop our vehicles when the traffic signal turns red? Do we wait for the cops? Similarly, if you are running an establishment, you must follow norms. Safety of your establishment and your customers is in your hands,” he said.

Mehta warned the ‘Catch Me If You Can’ attitude will no longer tolerated. He reiterated his charge against what he called as “professional complainants”. “We are trying to break the nexus between professional complainants and sections of the BMC officials. In report, we will dwell on these aspects. The report will be submitted by January 19,” Mehta said.