According to the newly prepared Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), to ensure safety, rooftop establishments must keep at least 50% of the street-facing area clear for emergency access and rescue operations. (Repfresentational image)Ahead of the Durga Puja festivities, Kolkata’s rooftop restaurants and bars are set to reopen after a prolonged shutdown. Mayor Firhad Hakim announced the decision after a high-level meeting where city officials finalized a comprehensive set of fire safety protocols. “The existing rooftop restaurants and bars will remain. No new rooftop restaurants or bars will be allowed,” Mayor Hakim confirmed.According to the newly prepared Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), to ensure safety, rooftop establishments must keep at least 50% of the street-facing area clear for emergency access and rescue operations.The use of open flames is strictly prohibited, and establishments must switch to electric induction cookers. Additionally, all staircases must be fully accessible, and emergency stairs must be installed.“Owners wishing to resume operations must submit a bond by September 15, committing to complete all mandated safety modifications within three months. This includes building the necessary stairways and ensuring the required rooftop space is kept clear,” said officials. The directive comes months after a tragic hotel fire near the Mechua Fruit Market that claimed 13 lives, prompting a city-wide crackdown on rooftop establishments.Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram© The Indian Express Pvt LtdTags:Kolkata