Pune: PMC Cracks Down on Unauthorized Rooftop Restaurants in Kharadi
Kharadi, 22nd May 2024: The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) launched a demolition drive on Friday, targeting two rooftop restaurants spanning approximately 8,000 square feet in the Kharadi area for operating without proper permissions.
PMC City Engineer Prashant Waghmare stated, “The civic administration is conducting surveys of food joints on open terraces and executing demolition drives simultaneously. We will revoke building permissions if we find serious violations by rooftop restaurants.”
Waghmare explained that the administration would inspect whether the construction of these rooftop eateries adhered to the sanctioned plans, including compliance with side and front margin rules. Properties with additional or covered constructions would also face action. The demolition drives will continue across the city over the coming days.
Civic officials emphasized that the administration will focus on repeat offenders, particularly those rooftop restaurants that were previously demolished. In 2023, a major fire incident led to the demolition of several rooftop restaurants in Aundh and Lullanagar. At that time, PMC identified 89 rooftop restaurants, of which 53 were demolished, six were voluntarily razed by the operators, and seven received court-ordered stays. Criminal charges were filed against nine establishments for violating norms, while seven were granted permission to operate.
The Food and Drugs Administration and the excise department are responsible for issuing licenses to operate food joints, while PMC ensures that these establishments comply with sanctioned building plans.
