Amid growing opposition over the use of wood and charcoal at commercial eateries and the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) mandating that Mumbai’s bakeries switch to cleaner fuel by July 8, former BJP corporator Makarand Narvekar has written to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, urging him to grant heritage status to South Mumbai’s Irani cafes and bakeries, and thereby provide an exemption to them. “One of the sectors that stands to be most affected by this decision is the iconic Irani cafes in South Mumbai, which have long been a cornerstone of our city’s food culture and history,” he wrote in his letter dated February 17, adding that these cafes have been in existence for over a century and that the use of wood-fired ovens is an integral part of their legacy. “The distinct taste and aroma of their baked goods result directly from these wood and charcoal-based ovens. Switching to non-wood or coal ovens will alter the flavour of the cuisine that patrons have cherished for generations,” he added. Story continues below this ad Describing …