The Mumbai Disaster Management Authority has imposed a citywide ban on rockets and other aerial firecrackers until November 25, 2026, following a series of fire incidents reported during Diwali celebrations.
The restriction came into immediate effect on November 9 and will remain in force until 11:59 pm on November 25 within the jurisdiction of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).
Editorial Insight
Key Highlights
Important points readers should notice.
Issue/Event: Ban on rockets and similar aerial firecrackers following Diwali-related fire incidents.
Location: India.
Authority/Organisation: Mumbai Disaster Management Authority and Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation.
Action Taken: Prohibitory order issued under the Disaster Management Act, effective November 9 through November 25, 2026.
- Impact: Aims to reduce fire risks in densely populated areas and protect residents and property.
The prohibitory order was issued by the Mumbai Disaster Management Authority under the Disaster Management Act, 2005. It was signed by Additional Municipal Commissioner Prajakta Lavangare-Verma in her capacity as chairperson-in-charge of the Urban Disaster Management Authority, Brihanmumbai.
The restriction applies to both public and private premises, including residential buildings, terraces, rooftops, balconies, courtyards, parking areas, slum settlements and other locations within BMC limits.
The authority cited the risk posed by rockets and similar aerial fireworks, whose burning remnants can fall on rooftops, windows, balconies and other combustible materials. Such incidents can trigger fires, particularly in densely populated neighbourhoods where buildings and residential structures are located close to one another.
Editorial Analysis
Why This Matters
Mumbai has a dense urban environment, with high-rise buildings, residential settlements and commercial establishments often located close to each other. Aerial firecrackers can travel unpredictably, and their burning remnants may land on balconies, rooftops, windows or combustible materials. This creates additional risks for residents, especially in areas where emergency vehicles may face difficulty accessing narrow streets. The ban highlights the importance of preventive action when emergency incidents increase during large public celebrations. It also clarifies that public safety restrictions can be targeted at specific high-risk activities rather than automatically prohibiting every form of celebration.
The decision follows a difficult Diwali night for Mumbai's emergency services. According to figures reported by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, the Mumbai Fire Brigade received 142 fire calls on November 8, of which 137 were attributed to firecrackers.
Several incidents affected residential and commercial locations, including fires involving huts, shops, a garage and parts of buildings. The incidents placed additional pressure on firefighting teams responding across the city.
Mumbai's dense urban layout, high-rise residential buildings, congested settlements, narrow roads and closely packed commercial areas were among the risks highlighted in the order.
To enforce the restriction, zonal Deputy Commissioners of Police, BMC divisional Assistant Commissioners and the Mumbai Fire Brigade have been directed to ensure compliance. The civic body's public relations department has also been asked to create awareness about the order.
Importantly, the restriction does not amount to a complete prohibition on every type of firecracker. The order specifies rockets and similar sky-flying fireworks. The use of other firecrackers will continue to be governed by existing laws, court directions and instructions issued by competent authorities.
The move is intended to reduce the possibility of further fire accidents during the remaining festive period and protect residents, buildings and emergency-response infrastructure.
