Mumbai Bans Aerial Firecrackers After Diwali Fire Surge

Mumbai: Alarmed by a surge in firecracker-related emergencies during Diwali, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has imposed an immediate blanket ban on sky rockets and other aerial firecrackers across the city.

The order, issued by the BMC’s Urban Disaster Management Authority, said the ban would come into effect immediately, from November 9, and remain in force until 11.59 pm on November 25.

The prohibition will apply to all public and private spaces within BMC limits, including residential buildings, terraces, balconies, courtyards, parking lots and slum areas.

“It has been observed that a significant number of fire-related incidents caused by firecrackers have occurred across Mumbai city and its suburbs over the past two days. In particular, rockets and similar aerial firecrackers pose a risk of landing on the rooftops, balconies or windows of nearby buildings, or on flammable materials, potentially triggering fires,” a senior civic official said.

“Given Mumbai’s dense population, high-rise buildings, slum areas, narrow streets and the high concentration of residential and commercial structures, a restrictive ban is being imposed on the use of rockets and similar aerial firecrackers within the BMC jurisdiction as a precautionary measure for public safety,” the official added.

The Mumbai Police, zonal deputy commissioners, divisional assistant commissioners and the fire brigade have been directed to strictly implement the order under the Disaster Management Act, 2005.

The move comes after the Mumbai Fire Brigade recorded 142 fire incidents in a single day on Sunday. Officials attributed 137 of them to firecrackers. Two women were injured, according to the brigade. Of these incidents, three major fires were reported in Dongri, Andheri and Vidyavihar, gutting several huts, shops, a garage and portions of a commercial building.

Meanwhile, Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde appealed to residents through a video message, urging them to prioritise safety while celebrating the festival and exercise caution while bursting firecrackers.

“Our festive celebration should not become someone else’s reason for sadness. Safety must be our utmost priority,” she said.

Referring to the Bombay High Court’s directions, Tawde asked citizens not to burst firecrackers on footpaths or in public places.

She also cautioned against lighting rockets and other aerial firecrackers, saying they could enter homes, cause property damage and put people’s lives at risk.

“Let us celebrate responsibly and ensure that our festivities do not come at the cost of someone else’s safety,” Tawde said.

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray called for police action in cases where rockets and aerial firecrackers entered people’s homes and caused fires.

“The police and administration must certainly take official action in such cases. An explanation is needed,” he said.

Meanwhile, the neighbouring Thane district administration has also banned the use of sky rockets and other airborne firecrackers. The ban will remain in force until January 8, 2027.