Pune Bakeries, Dhabas And Tandoor Hotels To Face Legal Action For Failing To Shift To Green Fuel: PMC
Pune Bakeries, Dhabas And Tandoor Hotels To Face Legal Action For Failing To Shift To Green Fuel: PMC
PMC to begin surprise inspections as MPCB deadline ends; LPG, PNG or electricity now mandatory
Bakeries, hotels, restaurants, food stalls, dhabas and tandoor hotels in Pune will face legal action if they continue using wood or charcoal for cooking and baking, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has warned. The action follows the expiry of a one-year deadline set by the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) to shift to cleaner, green fuel options.
According to civic officials, the MPCB had issued guidelines on February 13, 2024, directing all commercial food establishments to stop using traditional fuels such as wood and charcoal and transition to greener alternatives like LPG, PNG or electricity to curb air pollution caused by smoke emissions. With the deadline now over, PMC has announced that enforcement will begin immediately.
The civic administration has said it will conduct surprise inspections across the city, and establishments found violating the MPCB directives will be booked under applicable environmental laws. Officials said the move is aimed at improving Pune’s air quality and reducing pollution from commercial cooking units, particularly bakeries and tandoor-based eateries.
However, the implementation faces challenges on the ground. PMC is still struggling to determine the exact number of bakeries and eateries operating within its jurisdiction, as a large number are allegedly functioning without proper registration. As per information shared by the Bakery Association, around 1,000 bakeries operate in the Pune region, of which approximately 750 are located within city limits and the remaining 250 in suburban areas. Civic officials admitted that address details of many of these units are not available, complicating enforcement.
Bakery owners, meanwhile, have expressed willingness to comply but have sought greater support from civic authorities. “We are ready to shift to clean energy, but PMC and other authorities should assist us,” said a bakery owner, requesting anonymity. Several owners pointed out that procedural delays are a major hurdle, particularly in obtaining piped natural gas connections.
“Getting an MNGL connection takes a long time. Despite our willingness to shift, there is little facilitation from authorities,” another bakery owner said, adding that many small establishments lack the financial and technical capacity to make the transition quickly without support.
PMC officials, however, maintained that the responsibility to comply lies with the establishments. They reiterated that the use of green fuels is no longer optional and that continued reliance on wood or charcoal will invite penalties, closure notices and legal proceedings.
The civic body said it will continue coordination with MPCB and other agencies to ensure compliance, even as it works on identifying and mapping unregistered bakeries and eateries operating in Pune.
Disclaimer: This report is based on official statements and information available at the time of publication. Enforcement details may evolve as inspections progress.
