Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), has ordered bakeries, hotels, and coal traders to switch to clean fuel as part of air pollution control measures. However, experts warn that this move could significantly raise the prices of bakery products. As a result, popular street foods like vada pav and pav bhaji may become more expensive.
Mumbai Bakers Association President Ashfaq Siddiqui stated that electric ovens are costly and do not fit the existing infrastructure. If bakeries are forced to adopt them, the price of pav may increase from Rs 3 to Rs 5 per piece. Meanwhile, Samajwadi Party MLA Rais Shaikh has urged BMC to provide an immediate hearing for bakeries, Irani cafés, and other affected businesses to present their concerns.
Shankar Thakkar, National Secretary of the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT), highlighted that wood-fired ovens give pav its unique taste, and shifting to new systems would involve a huge investment, impacting production costs. Additionally, tandoori roti makers in hotels will also be affected, leading to a direct impact on business.
The rise in pav prices is expected to severely impact businesses, as the current fuel cost for producing 500 kg of bakery products is approximately Rs 2,000. However, it could rise to Rs 4,000–Rs 8,000.
Legal Action Against the Ban
Bombay Charcoal Association Member Paras Bora revealed that they are seeking legal advice and planning to challenge the decision in court. The association’s treasurer pointed out that despite Mumbai being less polluted than Delhi, coal is still permitted in the capital, whereas BMC has imposed restrictions in Mumbai. They are currently gathering data to support their case.
Sudhakar Shetty, President of the Indian Hotel and Restaurant Association (AHAR), noted that the court’s order does not mention restaurants, yet BMC officials have been issuing notices to them. The association is now considering legal action against these notices.
How Bakeries and Eateries Contribute to Air Pollution
A 2024 survey by the Bombay Environmental Action Group (BEAG) revealed that Mumbai has 628 bakeries. Of the 216 bakeries examined, 47% were found to be using carbon-intensive fuels like wood and scrap, which release harmful pollutants such as PM 2.5.
According to BMC data, bakeries currently account for 6% of Mumbai’s overall air pollution.
Even though 6% may not be a very high number, it should be noted that almost all these bakeries are located in densely populated areas like Byculla, Mazgaon, Malad, and Santacruz among others. Therefore, their contribution to human beings is very hazardous, a civic official told The Indian Express.
The civic authorities maintained that several meetings had been held with bakery and eatery owners over the past three months. However, the High Court criticized authorities for their lax approach to addressing this issue.
