Mumbai: In a push to curb local air pollution, the BMC had issued an ultimatum to bakeries still using coal or wood, directing them to shift to cleaner, green fuels. However, compliance has been slow—only 10% of the 314 identified bakeries have made the switch so far. The remaining establishments now have a two-and-a-half-month deadline to switch to eco-friendly fuel alternatives, failing which they may face closure.
The BMC has issued notices to these bakeries and 451 restaurants or eateries across Mumbai that use coal or wood, directing them to switch to eco-friendly fuels. These actions are in line with Bombay High Court directives to curb air pollution in the city. The establishments have been given an ultimatum to convert to PNG, CNG, or electric alternatives by July 8, or face potential closure.
"In the past three months, around 23 bakeries have switched to green fuel, and another 10 are in the process," said a civic official. The rest have been asked to complete the transition before the July 8 deadline.
Meanwhile, the Bakeries Association requested a one-year extension and financial subsidies to help meet the BMC’s mandate. Although Mahanagar Gas Limited (MGL) has waived security deposits for gas connections, infrastructure costs remain a major hurdle for many establishments.
Last month, political leaders had urged the BMC to halt action against Irani cafés and bakeries and consider granting them heritage status. However, a civic official clarified that many such establishments—including bakeries, hotels, restaurants, street food vendors, and tandoor-based businesses—burn low-quality wood or broken furniture as fuel.
This practice releases harmful gases, significantly contributing to air pollution and posing serious health risks such as lung disorders, heart diseases, and other illnesses.
Registered Bakeries ... type of fuel used...
272 – Operate on wood/coal
78 – Use LPG
21 – Connected to CNG pipeline
42 – Run on diesel
33 – Converted to eco-friendly fuels
