Bombay High Court has extended the deadline for Mumbai’s bakeries to switch from coal and wood-fired ovens to cleaner fuels like LPG or PNG. Originally set for July 8, the new deadline is July 28 after bakery owners cited logistical hurdles, including monsoon-related road-digging restrictions.

Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) had issued notices to all 573 city bakeries in line with a January court order aimed at curbing air pollution, bakeries account for about 6% of Mumbai’s pollution. While 187 were already using clean fuels, only 46 have transitioned since the directive was issued in October 2024, and 28 are mid-switch. That leaves 311 bakeries, over half, still firing up traditional coal or wood-fired bhattis.

The Bombay Bakers Association blamed the delay on BMC’s monsoon ban on road digging, which they say has stalled gas connections from Mahanagar Gas Limited (MGL). Civic officials, however, deny this, stating post-monsoon exceptions are possible. MGL has identified 97 bakeries that can shift to PNG and has agreed to cover pipeline extension costs, with bakeries required to pay a security deposit.

With conversion costs estimated at ₹10–20 lakh, BMC has also pointed to a central scheme offering a ₹1 crore loan with a ₹10 lakh subsidy. For now, Mumbai’s iconic pav will keep baking the old-fashioned way, at least until the next hearing on July 28.