BMC To Restaurants: Switch To Electric 'Tandoors' Or Face License Cancellation; Check Deadline Inside

Mumbai's popular tandoori dishes may soon lose their traditional smoky flavour as the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has begun issuing notices to restaurants and 'dhabas' using charcoal 'tandoors.' These establishments have been asked to transition to electric appliances by July 8, according to a Hindustan Times (HT) report. Failure to comply will result in strict action, including license revocation, penalties, and legal proceedings.

This move follows a Bombay High Court order dated January 9, which mandates that all businesses using wood, coal, or other conventional fuels within BMC limits must switch to cleaner energy sources such as LPG, PNG, CNG, electricity, or other eco-friendly alternatives. In accordance with the ruling, the BMC's G South ward medical officer of health (MOH) began issuing notices on February 10, targeting 84 open-air eateries, 'dhabas,' hotels, restaurants, and tandoor establishments.

After the court's directive, the BMC's environment department issued a circular on January 14, followed by another from the health department on February 6, instructing all MOHs across the city's 25 administrative wards to enforce the transition. The notice states, "MOHs must ensure that establishments using conventional fuels switch to cleaner alternatives, including those using them partially for 'tandoors' or other purposes. The deadline for discontinuing conventional fuels is July 8. Until the transition is completed, trade licenses will be marked as 'Not To Renew' in the SAP system. Additionally, no new licenses will be granted to establishments using conventional fuels from this date onward."

As per the HT report, Virendra Mohite, MOH of G South ward, confirmed that notices had been served to 84 restaurants with charcoal 'tandoors.' "We have issued these notices to ensure that tandoor 'bhattis' switch to electric tandoors," he said. "The action started two days ago."

A BMC official from G South ward, who wished to remain anonymous, revealed that restaurant owners have expressed concerns that shifting to electric appliances could compromise the taste of their dishes. Sudhakar Shetty, president of the Indian Hotel and Restaurant Association (AHAR), pointed out that the court's order specifically mentions bakeries and does not explicitly include restaurants. "We are seeking legal advice on this matter," he stated.

However, Mohite clarified that the High Court order applies to restaurants as well. "The court has directed the BMC to take action against all commercial establishments using coal, which includes both bakeries and restaurants," he affirmed in the same report.

The enforcement of this rule could bring significant changes to Mumbai's culinary landscape, as several restaurants depend on traditional tandoors to prepare signature dishes. With the deadline set, restaurant owners are left to weigh their options while awaiting further clarity on the legal front.