Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) are planning to introduce subsidies to encourage bakeries to switch from coal and wood to CNG or PNG. Both authorities are working on a proposal to provide financial support once the plan is implemented.
The proposal will be submitted to the state government for funding under the 15th Pay Commission. BMC is currently drafting guidelines for the distribution of subsidies, with completion expected next month, though the final plan may take longer. Once the plan is approved, BMC and MPCB will share the costs equally.
Bombay High Court’s role in the whole process
Earlier, it was found that around 356 of the 815 registered bakeries in Mumbai still use coal and wood. In response, the Bombay High Court (HC) directed authorities to ensure that all bakeries transition to green fuels by the end of the year. Further, the court criticised the government for its slow action in addressing pollution. In its latest order, the court shortened the transition period from one year to just six months.
High Court has scheduled the next hearing for February 13, when the BMC will present an update on the matter.
