Mumbai: The BMC has been lagging behind its target to ensure conversation of all bakeries in Mumbai using coal/wood to greener fuels. The extended deadline given by the Bombay High court ended on July 28 and there are as much as 295 bakeies yet to be transitioned.
The original deadline of six months given by the court ended on July 8. However, the court accepted the bakery owners association's application seeking extension of time.
2 bakeries applied for PNG connections during grace period; 2 applied for 35% subsidy
"In the grace period granted by the HC, around 42 bakeries applied for PNG connections and two applied for subsidy of 35% Pradhan Mantri Micro Food Processing Enterprise Scheme. So far a total of 592 have been surveyed," said an BMC officer, adding that the corporation will submit its action report to the court in the next hearing. The hearing scheduled on July 28 was postponed.
Only 209 bakeries out of 592 surveyed have switched to cleaner fuels
As per latest data from the civic enviornment department, out of total 592 bakeries surveyed, 209 are already using cleaner fuels. From October 2024, total 48 bakeries have transitioned to green fuels, 37 are in process of conversion and three have shut down.
In July, 42 bakeries applied for PNG connections and two under Pradhan Mantri scheme for 35% subsidy. A total of 295 bakeries remain who have not started conversion process.
High transition costs between Rs 10-20 lakh hinder small bakery owners
Civic officials say one of the main reason restraining the small bakery owners from transition to PNG/electric is the high cost. Per bakery, an estimated cost anywhere between Rs 10 to 20 lakhs is required for transition.
Bakeries on coal/wood fuel are a major source of Mumbai’s air pollution, says HC
It was on January 9, the HC had slammed the state authorities, including the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) and BMC for their casual approach towards curbing the sources of air pollution in Mumbai. The bakeries running on coal/wood are one of major sources of air pollution and the court had given six months period to authorities to ensure all polluting bakeries are converted to environment-friendly fuels.
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After July 8, the BMC was supposed to issue showcause notices to the defaulting bakeries and begin the prosecution procedure for their closure as well. However, with the extension of the deadline, the civic body will not issue any show-cause notice. The officials are awaiting for the HC hearing, which is expected in this month.
