NMMC issues ward-wise helpline numbers and emails to report Diwali noise and pollution violations

With Diwali near, the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has asked people to celebrate the festival in an eco-friendly way and to follow court guidelines on noise and air pollution strictly. The civic body has also issued dedicated helpline numbers and ward-wise email IDs for reporting violations of pollution rules.

The move follows directions of the Bombay High Court. On October 15, 2026, in its own Public Interest Litigation (PIL) No. 01/2026, the High Court told municipal corporations, the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board and the police department to provide dedicated telephone numbers and ward-wise email addresses for receiving complaints about noise and environmental pollution.

Following these directions, NMMC has designated the mobile helpline of its Disaster Management Department and the official email addresses of all ward offices to receive such complaints. The Belapur ward number is 8976954881 and the email is [email protected]. Nerul: 8976954882, [email protected]. Vashi: 8976954884, [email protected]. Turbhe: 8976954883, [email protected].

Koparkhairane: 8976954885, [email protected]. Ghansoli: 8976954886, [email protected]. Airoli: 8976954887, [email protected]. Digha: 8976954889, [email protected]. Toll-free complaint helplines 1800222309 and 1800222310 are also available.

Timings for firecrackers have been fixed. Under the National Green Tribunal's order of November 3, 2023 and the Bombay High Court's directions, firecrackers may be burst only between 7 pm and 10 pm. NMMC has reminded manufacturers, sellers and buyers that firecrackers producing more than 125 dB (AI) are banned under the Government of India notification G.S.R. 682(E) of October 5, 1999.

Under Supreme Court directions, firecrackers containing harmful chemicals such as barium salts, lithium, arsenic, lead and mercury are also banned. According to the corporation, these substances release toxic pollutants that can harm humans, animals and plants.

The corporation also spoke of the effect of firecrackers on air quality. It said Mumbai's average Air Quality Index (AQI) is usually around 91 but has risen to around 212 during Diwali because of firecracker pollution. Higher air pollution can aggravate breathing problems and endanger health, especially for vulnerable people.

Firecracker sellers have been told not to sell prohibited products and to ensure that permitted firecrackers are sold only at NMMC-authorised locations. All licensed sellers must also comply with the Explosives Act, 1884 and the Explosives Rules, 2008.

NMMC said police officers will be responsible for enforcing the court directions, while the respective ward assistant commissioners will monitor compliance in their jurisdictions. Educational institutions have also been asked to teach students about the environmental harm caused by firecrackers. Details of enforcement measures and penalties have been posted on NMMC's official website, www.nmmc.gov.in.

Under the Maharashtra government's Majhi Vasundhara Abhiyan, Swachh Survekshan 2026 and Swachh Vayu Survekshan initiatives, the corporation has asked people to make Diwali a green, pollution-free festival. Its suggestions: light traditional clay diyas instead of plastic decorative lighting; avoid firecrackers and reduce noise pollution; put up paper or cloth lanterns instead of plastic decorations; carry cloth or paper bags instead of plastic bags; do not put electric lights on trees; and reuse recyclable or waste materials for decoration.