The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has officially announced a comprehensive ban on the use of rockets and all forms of aerial firecrackers within the city limits of Mumbai. This significant administrative decision is set to remain in effect until November 25, 2026, as a preventive measure against the rising number of fire incidents. The prohibitory order was issued by BMC Commissioner Prajakta Lavangare:Verma, acting in her capacity as the Chairperson (In-charge) of the Urban Disaster Management Authority. The mandate came into force on November 9 and will continue until 11:59 PM on November 25, covering the entire jurisdiction of the municipal corporation. This move follows a series of fire-related emergencies that have strained the city’s emergency services recently.
According to the official directive, the ban applies to all public and private spaces without exception. This includes the rooftops of residential buildings, private balconies, open courtyards, parking lots, and densely populated slum clusters. The BMC has clarified that even within the confines of private property, the ignition of rockets or any firecrackers that travel through the air is strictly prohibited. The administration emphasizes that these aerial devices pose a significant threat due to their unpredictable flight paths and the potential for burning embers to land on flammable materials in high-rise buildings or congested areas. Surge in Fire Incidents and Emergency Calls The primary catalyst for this stringent ban was a dramatic increase in fire-related calls reported to the Mumbai Fire Brigade. On November 8 alone, the fire department received a total of 142 emergency calls from various parts of the city. Upon investigation, it was determined that 137 of these incidents were directly caused by firecrackers. Significant fire outbreaks were reported in localities such as Dongri and Vidyavihar, leading to concerns regarding public safety and property damage. The data collected by the authorities suggested that aerial crackers were the main culprits, as they often land in places where they cannot be easily monitored or extinguished, such as locked balconies or building terraces. Risks Associated with Aerial Fireworks The BMC’s decision is rooted in the technical risks posed by rockets and aerial fireworks in a dense urban environment like Mumbai. Unlike ground-based crackers, aerial fireworks leave behind burning residues and embers that fall back to the ground or onto structures. In a city characterized by a mix of skyscrapers and narrow residential lanes, these falling embers can easily ignite dry waste, curtains near open windows, or items stored on rooftops. The Urban Disaster Management Authority noted that the risk is particularly high in Mumbai due to the close proximity of buildings, where a single rocket can easily travel from one building into the window of another, leading to a major conflagration. Legal Framework and Enforcement Mechanisms To ensure the legal validity of this ban, the BMC has invoked several sections of the Disaster Management Act 2005. The order specifically cites Sections 41(A), 26(2), 30, and 34(M), which empower the authority to take necessary steps to prevent disasters and mitigate risks to life and property. The responsibility for enforcing this ban has been distributed among multiple agencies. The Zonal Deputy Commissioners of Police, the Divisional Assistant Commissioners of the BMC, and the Mumbai Fire Brigade have been tasked with monitoring compliance. These officials are authorized to take legal action against individuals found violating the order in any part of the city. Scope of the Ban and Permitted Fireworks It is important for residents to note that this specific ban is narrowly focused on rockets and aerial (sky-bound) firecrackers. Other types of firecrackers that remain on the ground are not covered by this particular BMC order. However, the use of all other fireworks must still comply with existing environmental laws, previous court rulings, and orders from other competent authorities regarding noise and air pollution. The BMC has urged citizens to cooperate with the administration to ensure a fire-free period and to prioritize the safety of the community over traditional celebrations involving hazardous aerial displays. The administration will continue to monitor the situation closely until the ban expires on November 25.
Source / स्रोत: India TV
