June 23, 2025: With less than 20 days remaining before the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) 8 July deadline, only 48 out of 356 bakeries in Mumbai using coal or wood have transitioned to cleaner fuels such as PNG, CNG, or electric alternatives. Civic officials have expressed concern over the slow pace of compliance, although some bakeries are reportedly in the process of converting.
“The deadline is firm, and compliance so far has been poor. However, several bakeries are currently switching to green fuels, and we expect the number to rise before the cut-off,” said a senior BMC official.
As per the Bombay High Court’s directive, bakeries that continue to use coal or wood beyond the deadline will receive show-cause notices. Non-compliance could result in enforced closure. “We will take action against those failing to comply. The court has been very clear—polluting bakeries must shut down if they don’t convert,” the official added.
The High Court had earlier criticised authorities for their lenient approach to curbing air pollution. Coal and wood-fired bakeries are among the key contributors to particulate matter (PM2.5) emissions in the city. The cheap, low-quality wood commonly used not only saves cost but emits highly toxic, fine pollutants that are easily inhaled and extremely harmful to human health.
Besides bakeries, over 440 eateries using charcoal tandoors were also served notices. However, the Bombay Charcoal Merchant’s Association has approached the High Court seeking relief. “Many bakery owners are holding out hope that, like the eateries, they might receive leniency, but the directives clearly mandate a switch to eco-friendly fuels,” the official clarified.
Across Mumbai, bakeries, street vendors, restaurants and tandoor operators often burn broken furniture or low-grade wood, releasing noxious gases that pose severe health hazards to residents.
Source: The Free Press Journal
