Mumbai has prohibited the use of rockets and other aerial firecrackers across the city until November 25 following a spate of fire incidents during Diwali celebrations. The restriction, imposed by the Mumbai Disaster Management Authority, came into effect on Monday, November 9, and applies across the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) limits.
The order covers residential buildings, rooftops, balconies and slum areas, among other locations. It prohibits firecrackers that are launched into the air and could land on buildings or other combustible materials, potentially triggering fires.
Signed by additional municipal commissioner Prajakta Verma-Lavangare, the order said Mumbai's densely populated neighbourhoods, high-rise buildings, congested slum pockets, narrow roads and closely packed residential and commercial structures make the city particularly vulnerable to fire accidents involving aerial fireworks.
The restriction will remain in force until 11.59 pm on November 25, 2026. However, other firecrackers will continue to be governed by existing laws, directions issued by competent authorities and court orders.
Three major fires reported on Diwali night
The decision follows several fire incidents across Mumbai during the festival. Three major blazes were reported at different locations on Diwali night, damaging several huts, shops, a garage and parts of a commercial building.
A major fire broke out at Haji Kasam Chawl in Dongri on Sunday night, engulfing several shops and hutments. Firefighters took more than nine hours to bring the blaze under control. Another fire was reported at a garage on Marol Military Road in Andheri, while a third broke out at the Skyline Vida commercial building in Vidyavihar, spreading across multiple floors.
No casualties were reported in these three incidents. Mumbai Police said the causes of the fires were being investigated and had not yet been established.
The wider scale of the fire emergency was reflected in the Mumbai Fire Brigade's figures. The city recorded 142 fire calls on November 8 alone, with 137 attributed to firecrackers, according to reports citing fire brigade officials.
Mayor appeals for responsible celebrations
Earlier on Monday, Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde issued a video appeal asking residents to celebrate responsibly and avoid bursting firecrackers near residential buildings or on footpaths.
She urged citizens to keep fireworks away from buildings and other vulnerable areas, warning that celebrations should not put people or property at risk. The mayor also called on residents to follow the safety instructions issued by the authorities.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray, meanwhile, demanded police action in cases where rockets and aerial firecrackers enter people's homes and cause fires.
"The police and administration must certainly take official action in such cases. An explanation is needed," the former Maharashtra environment minister said.
Thane also bans rockets after fire incidents
Mumbai's decision came alongside a similar restriction imposed in neighbouring Thane district. The Thane district administration on Monday prohibited rockets and similar aerial firecrackers until January 8, 2027, following 11 fire incidents reported across the district on Diwali.
District Collector Shrikrishna Panchal issued the order, which applies to public and private spaces, including residential areas, rooftops, terraces, balconies and parking areas. Authorities said rockets had been launched from crowded localities and some people had even been seen firing them while holding them in their hands.
The Thane administration warned that violations could invite action under the Disaster Management Act, 2005. Other conventional firecrackers will remain subject to existing laws and safety directions.
The restrictions in Mumbai and Thane seek to reduce the risk of aerial fireworks landing on buildings, electrical installations and other combustible materials as fire services respond to a surge in emergencies during the festive period.