Mumbai bans rockets and aerial firecrackers until November 25
The ban follows a surge in fire incidents, including 137 attributed to firecrackers on November 8.
The Mumbai Disaster Management Authority imposed a citywide ban on rockets and other aerial firecrackers on Monday, according to reports from India Today. The prohibition, which covers public and private spaces including residential buildings, balconies, and slum areas, remains in effect until 11.59 pm on November 25.
The order was issued under the Disaster Management Act by Additional Municipal Commissioner Prajakta Lavangare-Verma. It came into immediate effect on November 9 following a rise in fire incidents during Diwali celebrations. On November 8, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) recorded 142 fire incidents, 137 of which were attributed to firecrackers.
Major fires were reported at several locations, including Haji Kasam Chawl in Dongri, a garage in Andheri, and the Skyline Vida commercial building in Vidyavihar. Two women were injured in the incidents reported on November 8.
Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde appealed to residents to celebrate responsibly and avoid bursting firecrackers near residential buildings or on footpaths. She noted that aerial firecrackers could enter homes and cause property damage or endanger lives.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray sought police action in cases where rockets entered homes and caused fires. Filmmaker Vivek Agnihotri also called for strict enforcement of safety rules after an errant rocket struck a sofa on his balcony.
The Mumbai Fire Department advised residents to use open spaces and keep water buckets or fire extinguishers nearby. The BMC urged citizens to report emergencies to the fire department at 101 or 1916.