India, Feb. 21 -- If Delhi-NCR, despite its notoriously high levels of pollution, can use charcoal to fire tandoors, why not Mumbai? This is one of the arguments put forth by charcoal merchants, who have moved court against the February 13 notice issued by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) prohibiting the use of charcoal and wood as a fuel in Mumbai's eateries and bakeries.

In their plea to the Bombay High Court, charcoal traders have pointed to a notification issued by the Delhi Pollution Control Committee dated April 3, 2023, listing charcoal as an approved fuel for tandoors and grills in hotels, restaurants and dhabas in the capital.

The BMC notice was issued following a directive from the Bombay High Court on January 9, b...