Report

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has ordered bakeries, hotels, eateries, and roadside vendors to stop using wood and charcoal and switch to cleaner fuel alternatives by July 8. Officials have warned of strict action against those who fail to comply.

Politicians and Bakers Oppose the Ban

Several political leaders and industry representatives argue that this move will disrupt pav supply and increase prices, making street foods like vada pav more expensive. The Indian Bakers Association wrote to authorities, emphasizing that vada pav is a staple for Mumbaikars and any supply disruptions could create unnecessary problems, PTI reported.

BMC Justifies the Ban with Public Health Concerns

The BMC stated on Monday, citing a January 9 Bombay High Court order that gave businesses six months to transition to clean fuel. Officials stressed that burning wood and coal releases hazardous emissions, worsens air quality, and increases respiratory diseases. “Businesses must adopt cleaner fuels or face legal consequences,” Additional Municipal Commissioner Dr Ashwini Joshi stated in the release.

Bakers Raise Safety and Infrastructure Concerns

KP Irani of the Indian Bakers Association criticized the BMC for enforcing the transition without consulting affected businesses. He argued that switching to electric ovens is not economically viable for many bakeries. “LPG and PNG are the recommended alternatives, but they pose safety risks. Each bakery would need at least 10 LPG cylinders, increasing the risk of explosions and property damage. Additionally, PNG infrastructure is not available in all parts of Mumbai,” Irani told PTI.

Demand for a Pragmatic Solution

A Samajwadi Party MLA urged BMC chief Bhushan Gagrani to hold discussions with all stakeholders before implementing the ban. He warned that pav prices could rise from ₹3 to ₹5, directly affecting vada pav and misal pav prices. The MLA called for a balanced solution that minimizes environmental impact without hurting the bakery industry. Meanwhile, former BJP corporator Makarand Narwekar advocated for heritage status for traditional bakeries. In a letter to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, he emphasized the historical significance of Irani cafes and their reliance on wood-fired ovens.

Preserving Mumbai’s Culinary Heritage

Narwekar argued that switching ovens would alter the distinct taste and aroma of baked goods, which patrons have cherished for generations. “Mumbai’s culinary history is deeply tied to Irani cafes, and their traditional ovens are integral to their legacy,” he stated. He urged authorities to protect these establishments as part of Mumbai’s cultural identity. Drawing comparisons to global practices, he pointed out that New York exempts historic restaurants from modern regulations, and the Netherlands preserves centuries-old windmills as national heritage sites.

As debates continue, Mumbai’s bakery industry awaits clarity on whether exemptions or alternative solutions will emerge before the July 8 deadline.

Source: News18