Rooftop establishments having a free run?

Several bars and restaurants with rooftop seating, which were under the scanner for violating both building and fire safety norms, have taken advantage of the election season and are back in business, albeit temporarily. The reason: most civic body officers are busy with election duties and therefore, unable to carry out routine checks, inspections and surprise raids.

A staff at a rooftop establishment in Indiranagar said: “Ever since the date for elections was announced, no checking has happened at our establishment.” Another said that they were asked to close their rooftop section even though they had adhered to all safety norms. “But with no one checking, we are serving customers here,” said a manager of another popular eatery in Indiranagar.

Around 36 establishments in Indiranagar alone were supposed to get intimation for violation this month. But, this has been put on hold.

The inspections and closures started right after a major fire accident at a Mumbai rooftop establishment in December last year. In the wake of growing concerns that a similar tragedy could take place in the city, both the Fire Department and Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike had started inspecting and auditing establishments across the city.

Even Mayor R. Sampath Raj went on rounds to check many establishments personally. Now, however, elections are a priority.

Residents say the election is just an excuse. “If the BBMP wanted to, it could have acted a while ago. There are High Court orders on this issue that are over a year old. Why did the civic body wait till elections to act?” asked a member of I Change Indiranagar.

Mr. Raj, who is contesting on Congress ticket from C.V. Raman Nagar, met residents of Indiranagar on Sunday. When asked about the action on illegal establishments, he mentioned the election code of conduct and said BBMP officials were busy with various duties.

It’s unlikely though that restaurants and bars will get a free run for long. “We are very busy. I have been given the task to training election officers. As soon as elections get over, we will take action on the erring establishments,” said Ashok, Joint Commissioner, BBMP East. “Officials have been told not to renew licences of rooftop establishments,” he said.