Thane police book 33 for bursting firecrackers in public; rockets banned in district till January 8

Thane police have registered 33 cases against people who burst firecrackers in public places during Diwali. Officials said on Tuesday that the action was taken for violating Bombay High Court directions and administrative orders.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone 3) Atul Zende said several people were found breaking safety and environment rules by bursting firecrackers in public places, after which police began a crackdown. According to police, enforcement of the safety and environment rules will continue across the Kalyan division. People have been warned that action will be taken against those who violate the restrictions.

The action comes after the Thane district administration banned sky rockets and similar firecrackers on Sunday, following several fire incidents linked to aerial firecrackers.

Thane District Collector Dr Shrikrishna Panchal has prohibited the use of rockets and similar flying firecrackers across Thane district for two months, citing the fire incidents and the danger to life and property. The risk was described as greater in densely populated residential areas. The order remains in force until January 8, 2027. The ban applies to both public and private places, including buildings, rooftops, balconies, courtyards and residential complexes.

According to the order dated November 9, the decision followed incidents in which rockets and aerial firecrackers fell on the roofs, terraces and other structures of residential buildings. This created a fire risk and damaged property.

The administration said rocket-type firecrackers are often launched from buildings and open spaces without adequate safety arrangements. In crowded settlements, if a burning firecracker lands on a roof or comes into contact with inflammable material, the lives of residents could be endangered. The order specifically mentions incidents in Reti Bunder, Dadar and Lokmanya Nagar, among other densely populated parts of Thane district.

The administration said falling rockets and aerial firecrackers can set residential structures on fire, endangering occupants and damaging property. The decision was based on a November 9 letter from the chief fire officer of the Thane Municipal Corporation and a preliminary report given by the district disaster management cell on November 8.

The administration clarified that the order applies specifically to rockets and similar flying firecrackers. Other kinds of firecrackers will continue to be governed by existing laws, directions of competent authorities and applicable court orders.

Police officers, municipal corporations, local bodies and fire brigade departments have been directed to enforce the restrictions strictly. The order has been issued under Sections 29(2), 30(b) and 34(m) of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, read with Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023.