Mumbai and Thane authorities ground aerial firecrackers after Diwali blazes

Mumbai: A sharp surge in fire incidents during Diwali has prompted authorities in Mumbai and Thane to ban the use of rockets and other aerial firecrackers.

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Monday imposed a ban on aerial fireworks across Mumbai until November 25, hours after the Thane district administration announced a similar restriction, which will remain in force until January 8, 2027.

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BMC's order follows a spike in fire incidents that has kept the Mumbai Fire Brigade stretched over the past few days. On November 8 alone, the brigade responded to 142 fire calls, of which 137 were triggered by firecrackers. One person died in connection with the incidents.

Citing the risk of burning embers falling on rooftops, houses and other inflammable materials, BMC issued the prohibitory order under the Disaster Management Act, 2005. While the Bombay High Court has imposed a year-round ban on bursting firecrackers on public roads, lanes and footpaths across Maharashtra to curb air and noise pollution, the latest directive extends curbs to private spaces too, including residential buildings, terraces, balconies, courtyards, parking lots and slum areas.

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The Thane administration's two-month ban covers six municipal corporations: Thane, Navi Mumbai, Kalyan-Dombivli, Bhiwandi, Mira-Bhayandar and Ulhasnagar. Officials have warned that violators may face imprisonment and fines under the Disaster Management Act.