Mumbai’s iconic bakery industry finds itself at a critical juncture, as the Bombay High Court has granted a final extension until July 28 for hundreds of establishments to transition from traditional coal and wood-fired ovens to cleaner fuels like LPG or PNG. This directive, stemming from a January court order aimed at mitigating urban air pollution, underscores the complex challenges inherent in driving environmental compliance within a dense metropolitan economy. Over half of the city’s bakeries are yet to embrace this cleaner energy pathway, raising concerns for the city’s air quality and its sustainable development goals.
Out of Mumbai’s 573 registered bakeries, a mere 46 have successfully converted to cleaner fuel sources since the directive was issued in October 2024, with another 28 reportedly in the midst of the transition. This leaves a substantial 311 bakeries still reliant on traditional, polluting methods, which collectively contribute approximately 6 per cent to Mumbai’s overall air pollution burden. The Bombay Bakers Association attributes this sluggish adoption to logistical hurdles, primarily citing the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) monsoon-related ban on road digging, which they argue has stalled critical gas connections from Mahanagar Gas Limited (MGL).
However, civic officials contest this assertion, indicating that exceptions for essential infrastructure work can be facilitated even during the monsoon period. MGL, a key stakeholder in this transition, has identified 97 bakeries that are technically viable for a shift to Piped Natural Gas (PNG) and has commendably agreed to absorb the pipeline extension costs, requiring only a security deposit from the bakeries. This collaborative approach from the utility provider aims to ease the financial burden of initial infrastructure setup, yet the pace of conversion remains a concern.
The estimated conversion cost for bakeries, ranging from ₹10 lakh to ₹20 lakh, presents a significant capital expenditure for many small and medium-sized enterprises. While the BMC has highlighted a central government scheme offering a ₹1 crore loan with a substantial ₹10 lakh subsidy, awareness and accessibility of such financial incentives remain crucial for accelerating the transition. The continued use of traditional fuels not only impacts the city’s environmental health but also raises questions about the operational viability of these businesses in a rapidly evolving regulatory landscape.
This ongoing dialogue between regulatory bodies, utility providers, and the bakery industry epitomises the broader challenges faced by rapidly urbanising centres striving for zero net carbon, eco-friendly, and equitable development. The human element, represented by the livelihoods tied to these traditional bakeries and the public’s right to clean air, remains central to this narrative. As the July 28 deadline approaches, the resolution of these logistical and financial bottlenecks will be paramount to ensuring that Mumbai’s beloved ‘pav’ can continue to be baked, but this time, with a significantly reduced environmental footprint, paving the way for a healthier and more sustainable urban future.
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