The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has given eateries, bakeries, dhabas, and other food vendors a hard deadline of July 8 to transition to green fuels or face strict penalties, including licence revocation, fines, and legal actions. This initiative comes in response to the city’s worsening air quality, which has remained poor since October 2024.
The BMC’s directive follows a January 9 order from the Bombay High Court, mandating the shift from polluting fuels like wood and coal to more eco-friendly alternatives, such as CNG, PNG, LPG, and electricity. Many food establishments, especially those relying on tandoors and wood for cooking, contribute to the city’s pollution problem, releasing hazardous emissions that pose serious health risks.
As of now, 29 out of 356 bakeries have already moved to electric appliances, while others are expected to follow suit. The BMC has been issuing notices and holding meetings with businesses to facilitate the transition. A total of 1,381 entities were served show-cause notices, and 773 have been ordered to halt operations. The BMC is committed to providing a streamlined process for businesses looking to switch, including a single-window clearance system to make the transition as smooth as possible.
By enforcing these measures, the BMC aims to combat respiratory diseases, heart conditions, and other health issues triggered by air pollution, with bakeries alone contributing to 6% of the city’s pollution woes. The shift to cleaner fuels is not only a health initiative but also part of Mumbai’s larger plan to reduce its environmental footprint.
With the July 8 deadline fast approaching, the clock is ticking for businesses to comply. The BMC has made it clear that no new licenses will be issued to those using traditional fuels after the deadline, and businesses that fail to comply will face serious consequences.
