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Relief for Mumbai bakeries: Bombay HC halts immediate BMC crackdown over fuel
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Saturday, 12 July, 2025, 08 : 00 AM [IST]
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Abhitash Singh, Mumbai
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In a major reprieve to Mumbai's traditional bakeries, the Bombay High Court has temporarily restrained the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) from initiating action against bakery operators for using conventional fuels. The stay is in effect until July 28, granting these establishments crucial breathing room amid a heated debate over clean energy compliance.
The decision comes after widespread pushback from bakery associations and small-scale operators who claimed that the sudden transition from wood and coal to PNG or other cleaner fuels would not only be financially burdensome, but also alter the unique taste and texture of iconic Mumbai bakery items such as khari, nankhatai, and brun pav.
What’s at Stake?
Over 3,000 bakeries many over 50 years old were under pressure to shut down or upgrade furnaces overnight due to air pollution concerns. However, stakeholders argue that lack of technical support, infrastructure gaps, and costly conversions are being overlooked.
Bakery owners have welcomed the court's intervention, calling it a step towards more "realistic policymaking." Environmentalists, however, remain concerned and are demanding a clearly defined, phased rollout of cleaner fuels.
The bakery fuel row is part of Mumbai’s broader strategy to improve its air quality index (AQI). However, F&B experts warn that knee-jerk enforcement may endanger heritage culinary businesses and livelihoods of thousands of daily-wage workers in the food sector.
With the new July 28, deadline in place, the court has directed the civic body to explore balanced alternatives, including technical assistance and possible subsidies for smaller players.
All eyes will be on the next hearing as the food industry seeks clarity and support in aligning with green goals without burning down centuries of culinary tradition.
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