Mumbai bans rocket-type sky firecrackers till November 25 after 137 fire incidents on Sunday

Fire incidents have risen in Mumbai amid the Diwali celebrations. In view of this, the Mumbai Disaster Management Authority (MDMA) has banned rockets and similar firecrackers that fly into the sky. The ban will remain in force across the entire area of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) till November 25.

On Sunday alone, 137 fire incidents were recorded. Reports of fires caused by firecrackers had come in from different parts of the city. The decision was taken after this.

On Monday, Prajakta Verma-Lavangare, Additional Municipal Commissioner and head of the MDMA, issued the order. The order says that if rockets or other aerial firecrackers fall on the roofs, balconies or windows of homes, or on other easily combustible surfaces, there is a serious risk of fire in buildings. The ban has been imposed for this reason.

The ban will apply to all public and private places in the BMC area. This includes residential societies, terraces, rooftops, balconies, courtyards, parking spaces, slum settlements and all other places. No place has been exempted. The ban will take effect from November 9 and remain in force until 11:59 pm on November 25, 2026.

The order also clarifies that rockets and similar aerial firecrackers are completely banned. However, the use of other firecrackers will continue to be governed by existing laws, government directions and court orders as before. Given the urgent need to ensure public safety and prevent fires, the departments concerned have been asked to publicise the restrictions widely and ensure that they are strictly enforced.