India
Mumbai Bans Rockets and Aerial Firecrackers Until November 25 After Diwali Fires
The Mumbai Disaster Management Authority has banned rockets and other aerial firecrackers within Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation limits until November 25, according to PTI citing civic officials. The ban follows three major fires that occurred on Diwali night, which damaged huts, shops, a garage and parts of a commercial building but caused no casualties. Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde issued an urgent appeal to residents, urging them to celebrate Diwali responsibly and avoid bursting firecrackers near residential buildings, on footpaths, or in public places. She warned that rockets and aerial firecrackers could enter homes, damage property and endanger lives. The first fire, a Level‑II incident, broke out at Haji Kasam Chawl on Dr Maheshwari Road in Dongri around 10 pm on Sunday and was brought under control at 7:23 am on Monday after more than nine hours of firefighting. The second Level‑II fire occurred at a garage on Marol Military Road in Andheri at 10:51 pm, and was extinguished at 3:50 am on Monday after nearly five hours. The third fire, also Level‑II, started at Skyline Vida, a 10‑storey commercial building near Jolly Gymkhana in Vidyavihar at 11:56 pm and was put out at 5:55 am on Monday after almost six hours of operations. Mayor Tawde’s video message emphasized that festive celebrations should not become a source of sadness and that safety must remain paramount. She referenced Bombay High Court directions and urged citizens to keep firecrackers away from occupied structures to prevent accidents, injuries and property damage.
Frequently asked questions
Until when has Mumbai banned rockets and aerial firecrackers?
The ban is in effect until November 25.
What were the details of the three Level‑II fires that occurred on Diwali night in Mumbai?
The first fire broke out at Haji Kasam Chawl on Dr Maheshwari Road in Dongri at 10 pm and was extinguished at 7:23 am; the second fire occurred at a garage on Marol Military Road in Andheri at 10:51 pm and was put out at 3:50 am; the third fire started at Skyline Vida, a 10‑storey commercial building near Jolly Gymkhana in Vidyavihar at 11:56 pm and was extinguished at 5:55 am.
What did Mayor Ritu Tawde urge residents to do during Diwali celebrations?
She urged residents to celebrate responsibly, avoid bursting firecrackers near residential buildings, on footpaths, or in public places, and keep firecrackers away from occupied structures to prevent accidents, injuries and property damage.