Mumbai’s iconic bakeries and Irani cafes are facing a major challenge as the Bombay High Court mandates a shift from wood-fired ovens to eco-friendly alternatives. While authorities argue it’s for cleaner air, bakers fear losing the unique taste of their beloved ladi pav and kebabs. Is this a necessary step for a greener Mumbai, or a threat to the city’s culinary heritage?
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00:00What is Mumbai without Guadaloupe?
00:01Cars and roadways may still be the biggest sources of air pollution in Mumbai,
00:05but the city of dreams may breathe slightly easier
00:08because the authorities here have begun a crackdown on tandoors and wood-fired ovens.
00:30The city's kebabs may lose their smoky charm.
00:33Its iconic bakeries and its Irani cafes say they may have to shut their ovens.
00:47The Bombay High Court has ruled that all bakeries using wood and coal-fired ovens
00:51within BMC limits must switch to eco-friendly alternatives like LPG,
00:55PNG, CNG or electric ovens by July 8, 2025.
00:59It's not bellowing smoke throughout the day like so many other industries and
01:03odd sites, construction sites or...
01:05The goal? Cleaner air and a greener Mumbai.
01:08But here's where things get tricky.
01:10We are a minor issue. Get it?
01:15Yes, regulate hardwood, proper chimneys, scientifically,
01:19but you cannot deprive the Bombay population of a brilliant tasting bread.
01:25For Mumbai's century-old bakeries, this isn't just about ovens.
01:29It's about taste, tradition and legacy.
01:32And here's another kicker.
01:33Bakers argue that wood-burning happens for just 30 minutes to 2 hours daily.
01:37So is it really a major pollution problem?
01:46So what do you think?
01:47Should Mumbai's bakeries switch to cleaner energy for a greener future?
01:51Or should we fight to preserve flavours we've loved for centuries?
01:54Tell us in the comments below.
01:59you