151 establishments, including bakeries, hotels, restaurants, dhabas, and food outlets were notified by the Panvel Municipal Corporation (PMC) to switch to clean and eco-friendly fuel if using tandoors. The notices were served last week.
The notice has been issued as per the directives issued by the High court to address rising pollution levels in the MMR region. The restriction on coal based cooking systems is stated to be a preventive measure. " The high court has issued the directives wherein coal based cooking is not to be used and it is being implemented in the city. These are measures to enforce air pollution control measures," said an official.
As part of this campaign, 151 establishments in the PMC jurisdiction that use coal-based cooking systems have been served notices. As per the notice these hotels and bakeries will now be required to use electric or CNG-based stoves for their furnaces. "The notices have directed the concerned establishments to switch to clean and eco-friendly fuel alternatives such as CNG, LPG, or electricity. The use of coal and wood as fuel is strictly prohibited. Additionally, establishments must install proper air pollution control equipment such as scrubbers and modern chimneys to reduce harmful gas emissions. Regular maintenance and servicing of tandoor equipment is also mandatory to control air pollution," informed the official.
Out of 511 hotels, restaurants, dhabas, bakeries, and food outlets within PMC limits, 359 establishments are stated to be already using electricity or gas. "A survey was undertaken and 151 establishments were found to be still relying on coal and wood. These 151 establishments have now been served notices," said the official.
All concerned bakeries and hotels have been instructed to immediately notify the PMC upon compliance with these measures.
