Bakeries, dhabas and tandoor hotels to face legal action in Pune for not switching to green fuels

2 minutes of readingFebruary 3, 2026, 11:43 am

Citing the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board’s (MPCB) directions to ban the use of wood or charcoal for cooking or baking, the Pune civic body on Monday warned of legal action against bakeries, hotels, restaurants, food stalls, dhabas and tandoor hotels for not switching to green fuels.

On February 13, 2024, MPCB issued guidelines mandating a shift, within a year, towards the use of green fuel instead of wood or charcoal for cooking or baking, to reduce air pollution from smoke generated by traditional fuels.

“The MPCB’s deadline to switch from using wood or charcoal to green fuels for cooking and baking has ended. Therefore, all bakeries, hotels, restaurants, food stalls, dhabas and tandoor hotels should switch to using green fuels like LPG, PNG or electricity. The civic administration will initiate a surprise inspection and those violating the MPCB guidelines will have to face legal action,” said Prithviraj BP, additional municipal commissioner. Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC).

Ganesh Sonune, PMC Environment Officer, said, “All 15 district offices have been asked to keep an eye on bakeries, hotels, restaurants, food stalls, dhabas and tandoor hotels by conducting inspections at regular intervals. Action should be taken against all those still using wood or charcoal.”

Sonune said the action would entail issuing a notice, followed by sealing the premises, adding that PMC had given enough time for restaurants to switch to green fuels.

“It has been observed that bakeries, hotels, restaurants, food stalls, dhabas and tandoor hotels are not taking the MPCB guidelines seriously and are not completely switching to green fuel,” Sonune said.

Meanwhile, PMC is struggling to determine the exact number of bakeries and restaurants in the city as most of them operate illegally.

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“It has been a year since PMC has been trying to find the exact number of operational bakeries in the civic jurisdiction. We have received information from the Bakery Association that 750 registered bakeries are operational in the city and 250 are in the city suburbs. However, their addresses are not known,” another civic official said.

Ajay Jadhav is assistant editor at The Indian Express, Pune. With more than 22 years of experience in the industry, he is a highly specialized journalist whose work focuses on the intersection of urban infrastructure, governance and sustainability. Professional Experience Role: As Assistant Editor, he plays a key role in the editorial direction of the Pune office, specializing in urban policy and its direct impact on citizens. Education: He has a Master’s degree in Communication and Journalism from Savitribai Phule Pune University and a PG Diploma in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). He also studied at the prestigious Fergusson College. Shocking reports: You are credited with articles based on research on conservation staff (waste workers) who influenced national policy to improve working conditions. He is also known for exposing the contrast between high-level infrastructure (such as helipads for leaders) and the lack of basic services such as schools in his home districts. Personal Interests: An avid hiker and sports enthusiast, his personal interest in outdoor activities often influences his reporting on environmental protection and sustainable development. Recent Notable Articles (December 2025) Your reports at the end of 2025 have been dominated by the upcoming January 2026 civic polls in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, and the city’s infrastructure boom: 1. Political Analysis (Civic Elections 2026) “Not friendly, but a bitter fight looms between BJP and NCP over PMC, PCMC” (22) December 2025): A detailed look at Intense rivalry between Mahayuti partners as they prepare for the January 15 municipal elections. “Pune civic polls: Big blow for NCP and NCP(SP) as leaders switch to BJP” (December 20, 2025): Report on poaching and high-profile party changes ahead of elections. “Ajit Pawar’s NCP continues dominance in Pune, wins 10 out of 17 local bodies” (December 21, 2025): Analysis of local self-government body election results as precursors to major civic polls. 2. Infrastructure and Urban Development “Looking ahead in 2026: Pune will see inauguration of long-awaited Hinjewadi to Shivajinagar metro route” (December 22, 2025) – An “insights” article on the critical Metro Line 3 project expected to be completed by March 2026. “Pune construction: PMC to build double-decker bridge over Mula-Mutha river” (18 December 2025) 2025): details a major project aimed at facilitating traffic between Hadapsar and Kharadi. “Condition of Pune-Kolhapur road to improve in a year: Gadkari” (December 4, 2025): Report on Union Minister’s assurance regarding one of the most critical transport corridors in the state. 3. Civic Governance and Environment “Install sensors and LED indicators at construction sites within 15 days: PMC for builders” (December 16, 2025) – A continuation of the “Breathless Pune” series, reporting on new mandates for builders to monitor air quality in real time. “Errors in electoral rolls: PMC corrects data of 92,466 voters” (December 16, 2025): Tracking administrative efforts to clean up voter lists ahead of 2026 elections. Signature style Ajay Jadhav is known for his accountability journalism. His work often bridges the gap between high-level politics and the ‘ground zero’ reality of Pune residents. It is particularly focused on sustainable development, ensuring that as Pune becomes a ‘Bharat Mandapam’ style destination (referring to its report on the Lohegaon project), its environmental and social safeguards remain intact. X (Twitter): @ajay_khape …Read more

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