Bhopal, Feb 13: Madhya Pradesh government on Sunday clarified that no prohibitory order was issued banning the use of tandoor in the state. "No prohibitory order has been issued banning the use of tandoor in the state," said a government order (roughly translated from Hindi).

 

A press release issued by the state pollution control board said that the board has not issued any prohibitory order on the use of tandoors by any entity. The press release said that the media reports claiming the ban on tandoor are baseless.

 

 

This development came after several media reports about the Madhya Pradesh government announcing a ban on tandoors was surfacing. Reports claimed that the Food Department cited rising pollution for the ban on tandoors in Bhopal, Indore, Jabalpur, and Gwalior. Tandoori roti or using tandoors will be fined up to Rs 5 lakh for violating the state government's order, added the reports.

 

The order had reportedly banned the use of firewood and coal tandoors, asking the eateries to use gas or electric ovens instead. It had also caused disappointment among restaurant owners and consumers, as the taste of items made in traditional tandoor can’t be matched by gas and electric ovens. Moreover, it will also be costly, causing loss in revenue.