Deadline Issued to Mumbai’s 650 Firewood-Using Bakeries to Adopt Cleaner Fuels
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has issued a one-year deadline for 650 bakeries across Mumbai to phase out the use of firewood in favour of cleaner energy alternatives. These bakeries, which have long relied on firewood for baking, are now required to adopt environmentally friendly energy sources such as electricity or piped natural gas (PNG) to reduce the city’s growing pollution levels.
The decision follows increasing concerns about air quality, as firewood burning contributes significantly to particulate matter and other harmful emissions. The BMC’s move is part of a larger initiative to curb air pollution in the city, which has been grappling with poor air quality in recent years. Bakeries affected by the order have been given a one-year window to make the necessary changes, a period designed to allow businesses to adapt both financially and logistically. This transition will require bakeries to invest in new equipment, infrastructure, and energy sources, which could involve substantial costs. However, the shift to cleaner fuels is seen as crucial in the long-term effort to improve Mumbai’s environmental health.
BMC officials have emphasized that this deadline is a part of their commitment to reducing pollution and improving the quality of life for the city’s residents. The move aligns with the broader push for more sustainable practices in the city’s food and hospitality industries. The enforcement of this new regulation highlights Mumbai’s growing efforts to tackle environmental challenges, encouraging businesses to embrace sustainable practices while balancing the city’s rich culinary traditions with the need for cleaner, greener alternatives.
