Mumbai Police ban firecrackers and high-intensity lights on public roads for 60 days ahead of Diwali
The order, effective from midnight on October 6 to December 4, follows a Bombay High Court direction on air and noise pollution.
With Diwali only a few days away, Mumbai Police have issued a strict order for the city. Citing rising pollution and the threat to public safety, they have imposed a complete ban on bursting firecrackers on public roads and in lanes and neighbourhoods of Mumbai.
The police have also banned high-intensity laser lights and searchlights, which can hurt the eyes, along with firecrackers. The restrictions, issued by the Mumbai Police Commissionerate, come into force at midnight today, October 6, 2026, and remain in effect until midnight on December 4, 2026, a period of 60 days.
The order follows a direction of the Bombay High Court. Hearing a suo motu public interest litigation on the environment, the High Court gave key directions on September 22, 2026. Their aim is to curb air and noise pollution and prevent the dangers caused by bursting firecrackers on roads and by bright lights. Acting on the High Court's communication, the local administration and police decided to immediately ban the bursting of firecrackers on roads and high-intensity light shows.
Members of the public will not be allowed to burst firecrackers, rockets or any kind of fireworks on any public road, lane or highway within the limits of the Mumbai Police Commissionerate. According to the police, bursting firecrackers on roads endangers the safety of passers-by, causes heavy noise and air pollution, and also obstructs traffic.
High-power laser lights, high-intensity lumen lights and searchlights are also completely banned in public places. If such dazzling lights are pointed towards roads, they can blind drivers and pedestrians and cause a terrible accident. Orders have therefore been given to enforce the rule strictly.
Mumbai Police have warned clearly that legal action will be taken against any individual or organiser who violates the order. Depending on the nature of the offence, cases will be registered against violators under different laws. These include the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000, the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, and the Explosives Act, 1884.
Another ban is worth noting. Last month, Mumbai Police prohibited kite flying for 60 days in and around the INS Shikra naval air station, to ensure the safe flight of aircraft and helicopters.
That order applies to the airspace of the INS Shikra naval air station and to the Azad Nagar and Sundar Nagar areas that fall within the Mumbai Police Commissionerate. During take-off, landing and daily flights under the Western Naval Command, a kite or its string can endanger aircraft safety. The order came into force at midnight on September 16, 2026, and will remain in effect until midnight on November 14, 2026, a total of 60 days.
