Last Updated: 05.12.24

BEAG’s work in tackling air pollution in Mumbai began in the year 2014, in collaboration with NEERI and IIT Bombay.  Bakeries fuelled by wood fire, located amidst residential areas, were identified as one of the contributing sources of pollution as per the Source apportionment study of 2010 carried out by CSIR-NEERI.

In 2015, the MPCB constituted the, ‘‘Study Group to frame suitable Environmental Guidelines for Bakery Industries in state of Maharashtra’, BEAG being a member started interacting with various Bakers Associations, MPCB, MCGM, IIT Mumbai, Oven manufacturing Units and collated a lot of information.

Through comprehensive research and advocacy, BEAG facilitated the establishment of environmental guidelines for bakeries across Maharashtra. Armed with data obtained through RTIs and extensive stakeholder consultations, BEAG raised awareness about the prevalence of wood-fire bakeries and prompted regulatory action from MPCB. Their persistent advocacy resulted in streamlined permit processes for bakeries by MCGM, promoting cleaner and more sustainable baking practices.

Although various suggestions were put forth pertaining to bakeries switching to cleaner fuel, no actions were initiated to tackle the problem.

The problem was also discussed in 2018 and also recently in January, 2023, wherein BEAG presented the problems and solutions for enabling bakeries to switch to cleaner fuels. Though the suggestions were welcomed, no action was initiated further.

Subsequently in 2023, BEAG carried out ‘A study to assess bakery pollution contribution and its mitigation for Greater Mumbai.’ This study was funded by ASAR Social Impact Advisory Pvt. Ltd . The goal of this study was to quantify pollution reduction, identify barriers, assess alternative fuel viability, and advocate for cleaner technologies.

A survey of over 200 bakeries, conducted as part of the study revealed that most of the bakeries still rely on wood-fired ovens, which emit harmful pollutants, including particulate matter (PM), methane (CH4), carbon dioxide (CO2), carbon monoxide (CO), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These emissions pose severe health risks to Mumbai’s residents.

The report highlights the urgent need to transition from wood-fired ovens to cleaner fuels to improve air quality, safeguard public health, and ensure a sustainable future for the city. It emphasizes the necessity for regulatory support and collaboration among bakery owners, policymakers, and environmental organizations. Additionally, it outlines a comprehensive roadmap with actionable recommendations for policymakers to facilitate a sustainable transition in the industry.

BEAG presented the findings to Mr. Avinash Dhakane, Member Secretary (IAS) of the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB), and Mr. Minesh Pimple, Deputy Municipal Commissioner of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), on 20^th August 2024.

Presenting the report to Member Secretary, MPCB From left Mr Anil Pandit (BEAG), Dr Tuhin Banerji, Dr Motghare (Joint Director, Air) Ms Hema Ramani (BEAG), Mr Avinash Dhakne (Member Secretary, MPCB)

Presenting the report to DMC (Environment), MCGM From left Mr Anil Pandit (BEAG), Ms Mrunal Ghate (BEAG) Dr Tuhin Banerji, Ms Hema Ramani (BEAG), Mr Minesh Pimple (Deputy Municipal Commissioner, Environment, MCGM)

Following the submission of the study to the authorities, ASAR Social Impact Advisors Pvt Ltd organized a media conference, held at the Mumbai Press Club on 21^st August 2024. Reporters from various newspapers attended the press conference, including The Times of India, Indian Express, The Hindu, Loksatta, and others. An executive summary of the project in English and Marathi were also made available.

Press Conference at Mumbai Press Club From left Mr Cyrus Guzder (Persident, BEAG), Dr Tuhin Banerji (Scientific Expert), Ms Hema Ramani (Campaigns Director, BEAG)

Further to the press conference of this report, MPCB invited BEAG to conduct a workshop on 19th September, 2024. In this workshop MPCB directed all the Municipal Corporations in Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) to switch bakeries to cleaner fuels. BEAG gave a presentation regarding use of cleaner fuels and how cost effective it is. Similarly, the Mahanagar Gas Ltd.(MGL) also gave a PPT presentation and showed their interest to help the Municipal Corporations and councils in MMR to switch to Piped Natural Gas for the smooth transitioning of wood fired bakeries to bakeries using cleaner fuels.

Towards the end of the workshop MPCB issued directives to the Municipal Corporations to send their action plan for this transition within the next three months.

Workshop at MPCB office, Mumbai.