Mumbai: While applications of 13 bakeries seeking PNG connections to convert to a cleaner fuel have been found to be feasible, in the case of several other applicants, MGL will have to verify the feasibility of providing such connections. Applications for PNG connections were made during a recent facilitation camp organised by the BMC for the transition of bakeries from conventional fuels such as coal, wood and diesel to cleaner fuels like LPG, PNG and electricity. Some of the bakeries are also looking at the feasibility of using LPG as an interim arrangement until a PNG connection or other cleaner fuel options are made available for their bakeries. The camp also enabled filing applications for financing the conversion to cleaner fuels under the Pradhan Mantri Formalization of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME). Bombay High Court had rejected a plea for more time sought by bakery owners to switch to cleaner fuels.“There are 592 licensed bakeries within the BMC’s jurisdiction. Of these bakeries, 295 have to move to cleaner fuels. The civic body has in turn identified 160 of these 295 that can convert to PNG. However, there are practical issues, as trenching has to be carried out for laying PNG pipelines. BMC will allow trenching only after monsoon,” said a civic official.During the BMC camp, some bakery owners also made enquiries regarding moving to LPG as an interim arrangement, though they are not inclined to use it because of safety issues and the cost, as a large number of LPG cylinders is required to keep bakeries operational. “But industrial LPG connection is an option that can be considered. In case of PNG, too, laying of a pipeline is either not feasible for some bakeries or there are safety issues because of the location of the bakery,” the official added.“Under the guidance of municipal commissioner Bhushan Gagrani and additional municipal commissioner (city) Ashwini Joshi, we organised a facilitation camp for bakery owners along with various stakeholders, including BMC departments, MGL, and manufacturers and suppliers of bakery equipment, to iron out issues faced by bakeries and provide solutions to enable them to transition to cleaner fuels,” said Avinash Kate, deputy municipal commissioner (environment and climate change department).
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