Abhi toh party ban ho gayi, NDMC bans rooftop parties in Delhi post Kamala Mills incident

This is going to be the end of terrace parties in the posh Lutyen's Delhi. Identifying the rooftop parties or those on the terrace as major safety hazard, the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) has put an immediate ban. This not only applies to the bars and restaurants in upscale markets like Connaught Place and Khan Market, but also the clubs and cultural centres in the New Delhi area.

Well-placed sources said the members of Parliament (MPs) living in the area would also be advised against holding terrace parties or get-togethers from the safety point of view. This is essentially being done fearing structural safety of these decades-old bungalows and flats.

The central public works department (CPWD) is already in the process of demolishing the existing flats and constructing low-rise buildings for the MPs in North and South Avenues. The orders were issued by the civic body on December 30, a day after a major fire engulfed a rooftop restaurant in Mumbai killing over a dozen people.

The order categorically said any violation would lead to immediate cancellation of licence.

"Restaurant and bar owners must abide by the trade licence conditions and there should not be any laxity on the fire safety measures. They must strictly comply with the seating capacity in each restaurant. It must be ensured that the firefighting equipment is in place and operational to meet any exigency. Use of terrace is strictly prohibited," the order said.

An NDMC official said the order also applied to institutional properties and clubs falling in its jurisdiction, and any violation will lead to cancellation of licence. For instance, food and drinks on the terrace and rooftop of the National Sports Club of India has been stopped with immediate effect, informed a member of the managing committee.

"There have also been reports of terrace parties being organised in residential areas in the Lutyens' Bungalow Zone (LBZ). These include some MP bungalows and flats where such gatherings have been reported. We are issuing advisory to all the residents to avoid terrace parties to ensure public safety," a source said.

According to NDMC, the rooftops of commercial buildings are meant for fire-fighting arrangements and are not supposed to be used for commercial activity. The LBZ has over 400 flats for MPs that were built over 60 years ago. Officials said the old construction has already outlived their life and posed safety hazard.

"For last few years, we have been getting regular complaints of cracks in the wall, leakage, blocked pipeline and plaster coming out," a CPWD official said. While issuing the ban order, the NDMC health department has also maintained that health licence to restaurants, clubs and eateries not only affected the health and sanitation, but also resulted into additional pressure on civic amenities like water, electricity, sewerage and parking.

"Any property found to be violating the orders will be subject to cancellation of licence without any notice and the property will be sealed immediately," it said. It may be noted that the NDMC has already shut down the roof top restaurants in Connaught Place.