Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has begun issuing notices to restaurants and dhabas using charcoal tandoors, urging them to switch to electric appliances by July 8, 2025. Failure to comply will result in stringent measures, including the revocation of licences, hefty fines, and potential legal action.
Bombay High Court order from January 9, 2025, mandates that establishments using wood or coal fuels must switch to LPG, PNG, CNG, or electricity. In accordance with the court’s directive, BMC’s G South ward Medical Officer of Health (MOH) began issuing notices on February 10.
To date, 84 eateries have received the notices. The deadline for discontinuing conventional fuels is set for July 8, 2025. Establishments failing to meet the deadline will have their trade licences marked as 'Not To Renew' in the SAP system, and no new licences will be granted to such businesses after this date.
Meanwhile, some restaurant owners have voiced concerns that switching to electric appliances could alter the taste of their food. They also argued that the court order applies only to bakeries, not restaurants. Several have criticised the civic body for overlooking other pressing issues in the city. However, the BMC has clarified that the court’s ruling is applicable to all commercial establishments using coal, including restaurants.
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