The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation has banned rockets and other sky-flying firecrackers across Mumbai until November 25 after firecrackers were linked to 137 of the 142 fire calls received by the Mumbai Fire Brigade on November 8. The prohibitory order came into immediate effect on November 9 and will remain in force until 11.59 pm on November 25.
The order was issued by municipal commissioner Prajakta Lavangare-Verma in her capacity as chairperson in-charge of the Urban Disaster Management Authority, Brihanmumbai. It applies to both public and private spaces within BMC limits, including residential buildings, terraces, balconies, courtyards, parking lots, slum areas and other premises.
According to the civic order, burning remnants from rockets and other aerial firecrackers can fall on rooftops, balconies, windows and other inflammable materials, creating a risk of fires. The BMC cited Mumbai’s dense population, high-rise buildings, congested slum settlements, narrow roads and closely packed commercial and residential structures as factors that could increase the threat to life and property.
The restriction has been issued under provisions of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, including Sections 41(A), 26(2), 30 and 34(M). Zonal deputy commissioners of police, BMC divisional assistant commissioners and the Mumbai Fire Brigade have been directed to enforce the order across their respective jurisdictions.
The civic administration has also instructed its public relations officer to give the order wide publicity. This places enforcement responsibility across municipal and police machinery, with the fire brigade tasked with responding to incidents and supporting implementation within the city’s neighbourhoods.
The ban is limited to rockets and similar sky-flying firecrackers. The order states that the use of other firecrackers will continue to be governed by existing laws, directions issued by competent authorities and court orders. It does not impose a blanket prohibition on every type of firecracker.
The decision follows a sharp rise in fire-related emergencies over the previous two days. The Mumbai Fire Brigade recorded 142 fire calls on November 8, with 137 attributed to firecrackers. Major fires were also reported at Dongri and Vidyavihar during the surge, increasing pressure on the city’s firefighting resources.
The restriction will remain operational across BMC limits until 11.59 pm on November 25. Enforcement by the police, municipal administration and fire brigade will determine how the order is implemented in residential, commercial and informal settlements during the remaining period.
