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BMC Issues 102 Stop-Work Notices as Mumbai Bakeries Shift to Cleaner Fuels

A court mandate to adopt cleaner fuel is straining small bakeries due to high costs, gas shortages, and subsidy delays.

Overview

  • Since January 15, the civic body has ordered 102 wood- or coal-fired bakeries to halt operations until they convert, with inspections to clear reopenings after fuel switches.
  • So far, 175 licensed bakeries have moved to LPG, PNG, or electric ovens, 69 are in transition, and eight have shut after failing to bear conversion costs, according to BMC data.
  • The enforcement follows a Bombay High Court directive from January 9, 2025 to abandon wood and coal, with later deadline extensions ending after further relief was denied in August 2025.
  • Civic officials have warned non-compliant operators that their licences could be cancelled as the city pushes cleaner fuels to curb PM2.5 emissions.
  • BMC figures peg bakery emissions at roughly 6% of Mumbai’s air pollution, while a BEAG survey highlights heavy wood use and large PM2.5 loads in dense neighborhoods, intensifying local health risks.