Mumbai Bakeries Get Subsidy Push for Green Fuel Transition
In a major step towards reducing pollution, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) are working on a subsidy scheme to help Mumbai’s bakeries transition from coal and wood to cleaner fuels like CNG (compressed natural gas) and PNG (piped natural gas). The initiative aims to curb air pollution caused by traditional baking methods and ensure compliance with a recent Bombay High Court directive.
Both civic bodies are drafting a proposal to secure funding under the 15th Finance Commission, with plans to submit it to the state government. Once approved, BMC and MPCB will share the cost of subsidies equally. The final framework for subsidy distribution is expected to be completed next month, though implementation may take longer. A survey revealed that 356 out of 815 registered bakeries in Mumbai still rely on coal and wood for baking. This has raised concerns over rising pollution levels, prompting the Bombay High Court to intervene. The court initially directed authorities to ensure all bakeries adopt green fuels within a year. However, in a recent ruling, it shortened the transition period to six months, citing the government’s slow response to tackling emissions. BMC is scheduled to present an update on the transition progress during the next court hearing on February 13. The civic body is expected to outline how it plans to enforce the shift and roll out financial incentives for bakery owners.
The shift to CNG is seen as a critical move for reducing Mumbai’s air pollution. Traditional bakeries, which have been using coal and wood-fired ovens for decades, contribute significantly to poor air quality. While some bakery owners have already transitioned to CNG, many small and medium-sized establishments cite high conversion costs as a major hurdle. The proposed subsidy scheme could ease this financial burden and encourage more bakeries to adopt clean energy alternatives. Environmental experts also see this as a step toward achieving Mumbai’s broader pollution control targets under the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and state-level clean air programmes. If successfully implemented, this initiative could serve as a model for other cities, reinforcing the push for sustainability in India’s food industry.
