Mumbai authorities have banned rockets and aerial firecrackers across the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation area until 11.59 pm on November 25, while police in the Mira-Bhayandar and Vasai-Virar commissionerates have been directed to enforce restrictions on noise, public fireworks and amplified sound during festivals and public events.
The Mumbai Disaster Management Authority issued the restriction after several fire incidents were reported in different parts of the city during Diwali night. According to the order cited by Navbharat Times, three major fires damaged huts, shops, a garage and parts of a commercial building. The authority said rockets and aerial fireworks could fall on roofs, balconies, windows and other combustible material, creating a heightened risk in densely built neighbourhoods.
The restriction applies to residential buildings, rooftops, balconies and slum settlements within the BMC jurisdiction, as well as public roads, junctions, lanes, footpaths and other public places. The authority identified Mumbai’s dense settlements, high-rise buildings, narrow roads and closely spaced residential and commercial structures as conditions that could increase the risk of fire and serious damage to life and property.
Separately, instructions issued by Deputy Commissioner of Police Sanjaykumar Patil, who oversees headquarters and the special branch, direct police stations in the Mira-Bhayandar and Vasai-Virar commissionerates to ensure that restrictions arising from Mumbai High Court orders are enforced on the ground. The directions cover firecrackers, high-volume sound equipment and other activities that cause noise pollution during restricted hours.
Firecrackers that generate sound between 10 pm and 6 am are not permitted under the noise restrictions cited in the report. Police have also been instructed to enforce declared silence zones around hospitals, educational institutions, courts and government offices. The restrictions are intended to reduce disturbance and pollution affecting children, senior citizens, students, people who are ill and patients in hospitals.
Sound systems and other sound-amplifying equipment must have valid permission from the competent authority. Organisers are required to follow the conditions and decibel limits attached to that permission, while copies of permissions and the applicable sound limits must be displayed at the venue, according to the police directions.
Police stations have been asked to conduct regular patrols and inspections in markets, crowded areas, public roads, junctions, residential complexes, religious sites and other sensitive locations. Decibel meters and other equipment may be used to check noise levels. The instructions also cover restrictions on laser lights, high-intensity lighting and beam lights.
Complaints relating to air or noise pollution are to be attended to immediately. Individuals, organisers and other responsible persons found violating the rules may face legal and preventive action. Police will use local networks, beat marshals, Police Mitra volunteers and social media to inform residents, public groups, firecracker sellers and event organisers about the restrictions. Police stations have also been directed to prepare daily reports on patrols, inspections, complaints, registered cases and preventive action and submit them to the relevant offices by email.
