Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation has banned rockets and all sky-flying firecrackers across its jurisdiction after 74 fire incidents were reported during festive celebrations, with the restrictions taking effect on November 9 and remaining in force until January 8, 2027.
The order was issued by Municipal Commissioner and City Disaster Management Authority Chairman Dr Kailas Shinde under the Disaster Management Act, 2005. Officials said the incidents caused damage to public and private property and posed a serious threat to human life, prompting the civic administration to impose stricter controls on the use of aerial firecrackers.
The ban applies to public and private spaces within NMMC limits. It covers building rooftops, terraces, balconies, refuge areas, parking lots, building compounds and residential premises. The civic body said residents had frequently been setting off rockets from high-rise terraces, balconies and parking areas. In some cases, people were reportedly holding rockets in their hands while lighting them.
The administration also cited the risk posed by burning debris from aerial firecrackers. According to the order, such debris was falling on residential rooftops and flammable materials, creating conditions that could trigger fires in densely occupied housing areas. The restriction therefore extends beyond public roads and open grounds to spaces commonly used by residents inside apartment complexes and private properties.
Other permitted firecrackers have not been prohibited altogether, but their use has been limited to a three-hour window between 7 pm and 10 pm. Officials said the timing restriction follows directives issued by the Supreme Court of India and the National Green Tribunal. The Navi Mumbai order comes after similar restrictions were issued in Mumbai and Thane on Monday.
To monitor compliance, NMMC has appointed special flying squads. Local police officials, ward officers and fire brigade personnel will also be involved in enforcement. Housing societies have been directed to inform residents about the ban and ensure that members do not violate the order.
The order places housing societies and building-level managers at the centre of implementation. In Navi Mumbai’s high-rise neighbourhoods, compliance will depend not only on municipal patrols but also on whether societies prevent the use of terraces, balconies, parking areas and other common spaces for prohibited firecrackers.
People found violating the restrictions or refusing to comply may face penal action under Sections 51 and 60 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005. The restrictions will remain operational until January 8, 2027, while the civic administration’s flying squads, police, ward officials and fire brigade personnel are expected to monitor violations during the period.
