1 week ago
Calcutta Bungalow Shut Amid Kolkata Crackdown on Commercial Establishments
The Calcutta Bungalow is a small heritage guest house in an old building in Shyambazar.
Officials said the building was approved for residential use, not for running a hotel or restaurant.
They also said the business did not have all the required licenses and certificates.
Because of this, the Kolkata Municipal Corporation ordered it to close.
The action came during a wider inspection of businesses after a deadly fire on Free School Street.
The property’s founder said the owners were working on the paperwork.
He asked officials for clear instructions and more time to follow the rules.
Guests who were staying there were moved to other places.
The bungalow said it hopes to reopen after the issue is resolved.
The Calcutta Bungalow in Shyambazar was ordered shut after a joint inspection by civic and fire authorities.
Kolkata Municipal Corporation said the residential building was being used as a guest house and restaurant without required approvals.
The closure follows a crackdown on commercial establishments after a Free School Street fire killed nine people.
Owner Iftekhar Ahsan said the property had pending licensing paperwork and appealed for guidance and a reasonable compliance timeline.
Guests staying at the six-room heritage property were being accommodated elsewhere, while the bungalow expressed hope the closure would be temporary.
- Who
- The Kolkata Municipal Corporation, fire authorities and other agencies inspected the Calcutta Bungalow; its founder is Iftekhar Ahsan.
- What
- The Calcutta Bungalow was ordered to stop operating as a guest house and restaurant.
- Where
- At the Calcutta Bungalow, a restored 1920s building on Radha Kanta Jew Street in Fariapukur, Shyambazar, Kolkata.
- When
- The joint inspection and closure notice occurred on Saturday; Ahsan responded on Sunday.
- Why
- Officials said the residential building was being used commercially without the required civic, fire and other statutory approvals.
Authorities’ Position
Property’s Position
Licensing and building use
Authorities’ Position
The Kolkata Municipal Corporation said the building’s residential designation did not permit hotel operations and that the guest house and restaurant lacked the required enlistment certificate and other statutory documents.
Property’s Position
Iftekhar Ahsan acknowledged pending licensing paperwork and said the owners had been trying to complete the process with agents.
Reason for closure
Authorities’ Position
Officials said the business violated the sanctioned building plan and Section 199 of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation Act, 1980, warranting complete closure until further notice.
Property’s Position
Ahsan said the owners respected the rules but wanted clear guidance and a reasonable timeline to become compliant rather than an abrupt end to the business.
Future of the property
Authorities’ Position
The Kolkata Municipal Corporation said the same rules apply to everyone and that required approvals must be obtained before a residential building is converted into a hotel.
Property’s Position
The bungalow said the closure was hoped to be temporary and that it looked forward to welcoming guests again.
Key facts
- Property
- Calcutta Bungalow, a boutique bed-and-breakfast in a restored 1920s building
- Location
- Radha Kanta Jew Street, Fariapukur, Shyambazar, Kolkata
- Opening
- The property opened in May 2018
- Size
- The G+2 property has six rooms
- Closure authority
- A joint inspection team involving the Kolkata Municipal Corporation, fire department and other agencies
- Stated violation
- Commercial guest-house and restaurant use in a building sanctioned for residential purposes
- Guests
- Guests staying during the closure were being accommodated elsewhere
Quotes
Kolkata Municipal Corporation official
KMC official commenting on applicable building-use rules
“We respect that KMC has a job to do, and rules exist for good reason. Our appeal isn’t about disputing that; it’s about asking for clear direction and a reasonable timeline to get compliant, especially given we have guests currently staying with us.”
telegraphindia.com
“An approved building plan clearly states whether a structure is meant for residential use, as an assembly building, a hotel or another purpose. A hotel cannot legally operate in a building sanctioned for residential use.”
telegraphindia.com
The Calcutta Bungalow
The heritage guesthouse’s official Instagram account
“We know this news may come as a shock, and there are still many things we’re working through. For now, we simply ask for your patience and understanding. We’ll keep you posted as we have more clarity and will share updates here as soon as we can. We’re hopeful that this is only a temporary pause, and we look forward to welcoming you back soon.”
telegraphindia.com
Sources
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