Mumbai’s famous old bakeries are currently facing significant difficulties. The Bombay High Court has made it clear that ovens running on wood and coal will no longer be permitted. All bakeries must shift to clean energy, meaning gas, electricity, or other green fuels. The court has refused to grant bakers any further extensions and has clearly stated that public health takes precedence over business.
Bakers’ problems: No pipeline, no money—how to make the change?
Farukh Shaukari, partner of the 120-year-old Kayani Bakery, is worried. He says there is no gas pipeline in South Mumbai. Electric ovens are extremely expensive. If we have to rely on LPG cylinders, how many cylinders will we store? Additionally, permission from the building owner and BMC is required to keep more than two cylinders in the building. We fear that the business might have to shut down.
Perzon Zend, owner of Yazdani Bakery, is raising the same questions. He says they have no problem adopting green fuel, but they need time. They will have to break the furnace and chimney and change the flooring. The cost is around 10 lakh rupees. What will happen if the shop has to remain closed for so many days? Bakers say that wood-fired furnaces are cheaper to operate. Zend states that one truckload of wood costs them 6,500 rupees and lasts for 10 days, while a 19 kg LPG cylinder lasts only 1-2 days. The cost will more than double, and this will impact the price of bread.
What is the court’s strict order?
The High Court stated that difficulties may arise, but damage to people’s health is far more significant than business losses. The court also said that arguments about unemployment or business problems cannot be used to compromise public health.
How many bakeries have switched so far?
Currently, there are 573 bakeries operating in Mumbai.
Out of these, 187 have already shifted to green fuel.
74 bakeries are currently in the transition process.
The remaining bakeries must make the change soon, or they will face action.
