Thane bans rocket firecrackers from November 9 to January 8 after fires; Mumbai mulls similar curb

The Thane district administration has banned the use of rockets and similar airborne firecrackers across the district, after incidents of fire caused by firecrackers rose during the Diwali celebrations. District Magistrate and chairman of the District Disaster Management Authority Dr Srikrishna Panchal has issued orders for the ban to take effect immediately.

The ban will remain in force from 12.01 am on November 9, 2026, to 11.59 pm on January 8, 2027. The order applies to every area within the revenue limits of Thane district. Public and private places, building terraces, balconies, compounds and all residential areas are covered.

According to the administration, fires have so far been reported at 11 different places in Thane district, causing heavy damage to public and private property. Some people were firing rockets and similar airborne firecrackers. Some were found launching rockets while holding them directly in their hands. The burning remnants of rockets and such firecrackers fall on residential buildings, windows and easily flammable material, posing a fire risk. The decision has been taken to avert possible accidents.

Responsibility for enforcing the order has been given to the concerned police officers, local bodies and the fire brigade. Housing societies have also been asked to inform their members of the order. Those who violate it will face strict action under Sections 51 and 60 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005. Other firecrackers may be used within the bounds of prevailing laws, orders of competent authorities and court directions.

In Mumbai too, moves to ban rocket firecrackers have begun. An official circular from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation is likely to be issued soon. The decision has come as a setback to firecracker enthusiasts.

Recently, a major fire broke out in Raheja Carlyle, a 17-storey building in the Raheja Garden complex in Wagle Estate, Thane. The fire, which started at around 8.30 pm in a flat on the eighth floor, reached the 14th floor within a short time. Fifty residents were trapped in the building. Personnel of the Thane Fire Brigade and the TDRF rescued all of them safely.

Fire incidents during Diwali have also raised concern in Vasai-Virar. From the morning of November 8 to the early hours of November 9, fires broke out at 24 places in the city. They involved gas cylinders, residential buildings, factories, vehicles, piles of wood and garbage dumps.

A fire in an underground railway cable between Nalasopara and Virar caused a technical fault in the signalling system. This also affected Western Railway local services. Two people suffered minor burns in these incidents. Manoj Verma, 32, who was trapped in an industrial area, was rescued safely by firefighters.