MUMBAI — In a decisive move to curb air pollution and prevent fire hazards, civic authorities and district administrations across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) and neighboring cities have rolled out strict restrictions on the use of firecrackers. Taking serious note of a recent surge in fire emergencies, the Thane district administration has imposed a blanket ban on sky rockets and similar aerial firecrackers. The prohibitory order comes into immediate effect and will remain in force for an extended period. This emergency measure was prompted by a series of fire incidents reported across the district during recent celebrations, where burning residues from aerial fireworks fell onto residential buildings and flammable materials, damaging property and endangering lives.
In tandem with the district’s orders, the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) has issued its own stringent guidelines. Authorities have mandated that only environmentally friendly “green crackers” are permitted. The bursting of any fireworks is now strictly prohibited in public spaces, including main roads, alleys, footpaths, and public grounds, as well as in designated “silence zones” such as hospitals, courts, and educational institutions.

Furthermore, a strict nighttime curfew has been implemented; bursting crackers is completely banned between 10:00 PM and 6:00 AM. The new regulations also prohibit the use of laser lights and mandate strict authorization and safety protocols for all firecracker vendors. Similar preventive measures are being echoed by surrounding civic bodies, including the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC), and Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC). These authorities have restricted the bursting of firecrackers in public spaces and set up dedicated helplines to report noise and air pollution violations.
This sweeping crackdown comes amid escalating health concerns. Officials highlighted that high noise levels and toxic smoke pose severe health risks to young children, senior citizens, pregnant women, and individuals with cardiovascular or respiratory conditions.
Authorities have appealed to all citizens to cooperate with the regulations and prioritize public safety. Residents wishing to report any violations, illegal vendor stalls, or excessive noise can log complaints directly via the pollution control board helplines or through the respective municipal grievance portals and toll-free numbers.

Following a fire that broke out last night—during the Diwali festival—at a warehouse and garage in the Dongri area of ​​Mumbai, the police are set to initiate an investigation, pending the fire department’s report and the determination of the causes. Significant damage has also been reported due to fires in several suburban areas, including Kurla, Ghatkopar, and Borivali. In the wake of the Dongri incident, local residents were immediately evacuated; given the severity of the blaze, the police will conduct a formal inquiry. In light of the recurring fire incidents during Diwali, the Mayor of Mumbai has urged the public to exercise caution when using firecrackers and has expressed concern over the spate of fires across the city. The police have now launched an investigation into these Diwali-related fire incidents, and a formal case will be registered following the submission of an initial report. This was confirmed by DCP (Operations) Akbar Pathan, who stated that investigations into these incidents are currently underway, though the specific causes have yet to be determined. Once the exact causes are established, appropriate action will be taken.

MUMBAI : Despite widespread safety campaigns, the first two days of Diwali witnessed a significant surge in fire-related emergencies across Mumbai and the neighboring Thane district. Back-to-back distress calls were triggered primarily by firecrackers and unattended diyas. Over a 48-hour period, exactly 89 fire incidents occurred across the city. Of these emergencies, at least 28 were directly linked to firecrackers. A similar trend was observed in Thane, which saw multiple major blazes, including severe fires in high-rise residential societies in Wagle Estate and Kasarvadavali.

While rapid firefighting responses prevented further escalation in many areas, the weekend was not without tragedy. One fatality occurred in Andheri West, where a 56-year-old security guard died of suffocation after becoming trapped in a lift during a fire on the 17th floor of a high-rise, suspected to have been caused by an unattended diya. At least four other injuries took place across the region, including residents who suffered burns and severe smoke inhalation requiring hospital admission. Extensive property damage was recorded across both cities. Fires engulfed scrap shops, commercial corridors, and residential apartments. In several high-rises, entrance doors, household items, and internal electrical wiring were completely gutted by stray rockets and indoor fires.

Prompt reporting of fires and quick evacuations—such as the successful rescue of around 50 residents from a single building in Thane—played a crucial role in saving lives. However, the blatant flouting of safety norms in congested residential areas remains a major concern. With the festival continuing, fresh safety advisories urge citizens to burst crackers only in designated open spaces, keep buckets of water or sand nearby, and ensure that unattended diyas are extinguished before leaving the house to prevent further mishaps.