Promoters restricting roof and terrace access to flat owners could now face the Kolkata Municipal Corporation’s whip. The Kolkata Municipal Corporation has decided to allow building sanctions only when roofs and terraces are made accessible to all flat owners.

The announcement came after the mayor of KMC, Firhad Hakim received complaints on the restrictions imposed on the use of rooftop terrace areas by flat owners. According to Mr Hakim, complaints on the subject from various parts including his own area were pouring in at the civic body where promoters or landlords were not allowing access to the terrace to the flat owners.

As pointed out by Mr Hakim, promoters are taking 35 or 40 per cent for super built area from flat buyers for using common spaces like stairs and terraces. However, later they are restricting the flat occupants from using the terraces. The terrace spaces are also being sold out which is grossly illegal. This is causing harm to people. Citing the example of Stephen Court fire, the mayor said: “If there is a fire and occupants are unable to go down and need to be evacuated from the terrace, how would they be rescued?

Terraces should be open and remain a common space. From our side, we would sanction the plan with a stamp that the terrace be used as common space. The mayor also pointed out how insufficient spaces between two buildings are creating problems in providing municipal services. According to Mr Hakim, at some places, it is seen that the mandatory space between two buildings is not being followed.

Due to this, there are problems in providing municipal services like drainage cleaning, anti- mosquito drive or movement of vehicles collecting garbage. The mayor expressed concerns that the piling up of garbage due to this could affect the public health. Mr Hakim felt that awareness among citizens about the subject could help in overcoming such problems.

Meanwhile, in a significant move, the canteen at the civic body’s headquarters has received certification from the Food Safety and Standard Authority of India (FSSAI) for supplying good quality food at a cheaper price. According to Mr Hakim, the credit of the recognition should go to Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose who had set up the canteen and had food there