BMC Mandates Mumbai Eateries and Bakeries to Switch to Clean Fuels by July 9
The BMC has mandated Mumbai’s eateries and bakeries to switch to clean fuels like piped natural gas (PNG) by July 9 to combat rising air pollution levels. Learn how this move impacts local businesses and the city’s air quality.
In a significant step to tackle Mumbai’s worsening air quality, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has directed all bakeries, eateries, hotels, and restaurants using traditional chulhas to switch to piped natural gas (PNG) or other clean fuels by July 9, 2025. This move comes in response to the Bombay High Court's order on January 9, 2025, instructing the BMC to implement stringent measures to improve Mumbai’s air quality index (AQI).
Why Has BMC Issued This Mandate?
Since 2022, air pollution has been a growing concern in Mumbai. In 2023, the BMC introduced the Mumbai Air Pollution Mitigation Plan (MAPMP), which identified emissions from bakeries and eateries as significant contributors to the city’s pollution.
A 2024 survey by the Bombay Environmental Action Group (BEAG) found that out of 628 bakeries in Mumbai, 47% use carbon-intensive fuels like wood and scrap. These fuels release harmful pollutants, notably PM 2.5, which pose serious health risks.
Dr. Tuhin Banerji, project head of the survey and former senior scientist at CSIR NEERI, revealed alarming data: “The average wood consumption per bakery is around 130 kg daily, resulting in over 80,381 kg of PM 2.5 emissions annually. This is equivalent to the pollution caused by smoking five billion cigarettes over a lifetime.”
How Do Bakeries Impact Mumbai’s Air Quality?
BMC data indicates that bakeries contribute to 6% of Mumbai’s overall air pollution. Though this figure may seem modest, most of these bakeries are located in densely populated areas like Byculla, Mazgaon, Malad, and Santacruz, increasing the health risks for local residents.
A civic official emphasized, “While 6% may not appear high, the proximity of these bakeries to residential zones makes their emissions particularly hazardous.”
Challenges and Compliance Efforts
Over the past six months, 29 bakeries have already transitioned to cleaner fuels. The BMC has held several meetings with bakery and eatery owners to facilitate this shift. The primary concern from business owners has been the bureaucratic process of obtaining permissions for switching to eco-friendly fuels.
To address this, BMC has promised to streamline the approval process by introducing a single-window system, ensuring quicker and smoother transitions for eateries.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
The BMC has made it clear that failure to comply with the mandate will lead to strict actions:
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Show Cause Notice: Non-compliant entities will first receive a notice instructing them to adopt clean fuels.
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License Suspension: If the entity fails to act within the stipulated time, the BMC will instruct the license department to shut down the business until compliance is ensured.
A civic official warned, “We’re committed to improving Mumbai’s air quality. Businesses that do not follow these guidelines will face penalties, including possible closure.”
A Step Towards Cleaner Air in Mumbai
The BMC’s mandate aligns with Mumbai’s broader goal to reduce air pollution and safeguard public health. With the deadline approaching, both civic authorities and business owners must collaborate to ensure a smooth transition to cleaner, eco-friendly fuels.
As Mumbai battles rising pollution levels, this proactive step could pave the way for a healthier and cleaner city.
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