Mumbai civic body says monsoon sheds on rooftop eateries should not exceed 1 metre

BMC chief also asks officials to demolish all existing sheds put up by restaurants

In the wake of the deadly fire at Kamala Mills, which had killed 14 people and had spread due to alleged illegal sheds on the rooftop of two high-end restaurants there, civic chief Ajoy Mehta has now directed officers to allow restaurants to erect monsoon sheds not more than 1 metre in height from ground level. He has further directed them to demolish all existing sheds put up by eateries.

The fire in the restaurants at Kamala Mills is said to have spread due to the alleged illegal sheds set up by the restaurants. (HT FILE)

A senior civic official said the height restriction for monsoon sheds is necessary as it will prevent misuse of the sheds and also save the structure from leakages during monsoon.

The Kamala Mills fire not only revealed the lapses in the civic administration but also exposed how eateries misuse the permission given for monsoon sheds. It was found that the two restobars, namely 1Above and Mojo’s Bistro, had continued to use the sheds even after monsoon and served food and alcohol on the rooftop. The sheds were made of bamboo and tarpaulin, which helped spread the fire.

Mehta, in his monthly review meeting, directed civic officers to take strict action against illegal altercations carried out by eateries. He said, “The staircases of eateries should have a width of 1.5 metre and if it’s less than that then necessary action should be initiated. Wooden materials used for making altercations or partitions in the eateries should be immediately issued notice and strict action should be initiated.” Mehta has also asked ward officials to inspect shops and establishments selling furniture, plastic materials and chemicals and initiate action if further lapses are found.