Mumbai: To curb air pollution, the BMC has directed bakeries using coal or wood to shift to cleaner fuels. So far, 28 bakeries are in the process of conversion, while 311 have yet to comply. Non-compliant establishments risk closure if they fail to meet the green fuel mandate. The next hearing on the matter in the Bombay High Court (HC) is scheduled for August 1.
While Mumbai has 1,062 licensed bakeries, 490 of them are currently not operating. Out of the 572 working bakeries, 233 have already switched to clean fuels. The BMC issued notices to the remaining 353 bakeries that are still using coal, wood, diesel, or petrol, which are harmful to the environment.
These actions follow the HC's orders to reduce air pollution. The bakeries have been given time until July 8 to switch to PNG, CNG, or electric options, or they may be shut down.
"In the past six months, 46 bakeries have switched to green fuel, and 28 more are in the process. Executive health officers have been directed to ensure the remaining 311 comply,” said a senior civic official.
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Bakeries using coal and wood are among the major sources of air pollution. The BMC took action after the HC, on January 9, 2025, criticised civic authorities and the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) for their lax efforts in tackling air pollution in Mumbai.
In March 24, the HC directed the MPCB to hear bakeries and decide whether “charcoal” was an “approved fuel that does not cause pollution”. The court passed the order while hearing an intervention application filed by Bombay Charcoal Merchants Association (BCMA).
The plea contends that the BMC has failed to distinguish between coal and charcoal and is issuing notices to bakeries running on wood or coal, asking them to switch to greener fuel within six months.
