Kolkata Mayor Firhad Hakim has instructed the state fire services department to conduct special inspections at nightclubs before the New Year’s Eve celebrations. This decision follows a recent tragic fire incident in Goa that resulted in 25 fatalities. The civic body aims to prevent fire accidents during the festive season by ensuring safety checks at rooftop restaurants, bars, nightclubs, and hotels.
Mayor Firhad Hakim emphasized the importance of these inspections to verify compliance with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) at rooftop establishments. Currently, 83 restaurants have been inspected, all found to be adhering to the SOPs. However, the fire department has been requested to extend these checks to small and large hotels, restaurants, bars, and nightclubs to ensure safety measures are in place.
In the past, a fire at a hotel in Kolkata’s Mechua Fruit Market area led to the tragic loss of 14 lives, prompting increased scrutiny on safety protocols. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee conducted surprise inspections at rooftop restaurants in the Park Street area, identifying infrastructural deficiencies. Subsequently, rooftop bars and restaurants were temporarily closed, and unauthorized constructions were dismantled.
Despite reopening before the Durga Puja festival under certain conditions, many establishments failed to meet safety requirements. Recent police and municipal inspections revealed non-compliance, leading to warnings issued to restaurant owners. Authorities have sternly urged prompt adherence to safety guidelines, including the installation of adequate fire safety measures.
Given the recent nightclub fire in Goa, concerns have escalated regarding fire safety in crowded venues during the holiday season. As a result, the municipal administration has mandated immediate fire safety inspections not only for rooftop establishments but also for all hotels, restaurants, bars, and nightclubs anticipating high footfall during Christmas and New Year’s celebrations.
