Mumbai Bans Rockets, Aerial Firecrackers Till November 25 After 137 Diwali Fires

Mumbai has banned rockets and other aerial firecrackers until November 25 after firecrackers triggered 137 of the 142 fire incidents reported across the city on Diwali.

The Mumbai Disaster Management Authority issued the citywide restriction on Monday, November 9, with immediate effect. The ban will remain in force until 11.59 pm on November 25 and applies to both public and private spaces.

The order covers residential buildings, terraces, balconies, parking lots and slum areas. It was issued under the Disaster Management Act by Additional Municipal Commissioner Prajakta Lavangare-Verma, who is also chairperson-in-charge of the Urban Disaster Management Authority, Brihanmumbai.

137 Firecracker-Related Fires Reported On Diwali

According to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), Mumbai recorded 142 fire incidents on November 8, of which 137 were attributed to firecrackers. Two women were injured.

The figures mark a rise in firecracker-related incidents compared with previous years. During Diwali in 2024, the city reported 262 fires, including 80 linked to firecrackers, with three people injured.

In 2025, Mumbai recorded 289 fire incidents, of which 113 were caused by firecrackers. No deaths or injuries were reported that year.

The disaster management authority said rockets and similar aerial firecrackers could land on rooftops, balconies, windows and other combustible surfaces, triggering fires. Densely populated neighbourhoods, high-rise buildings, slum clusters and narrow roads increase the risk of damage and injury.

Mayor, Aaditya Thackeray Urge Residents To Exercise Caution

Earlier on Monday, Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde appealed to residents to celebrate Diwali responsibly and avoid bursting firecrackers near residential buildings and on footpaths.

Referring to recent fire incidents, Tawde urged citizens to ensure their celebrations did not put others at risk. She also cited the High Court's directions against bursting firecrackers on footpaths and in public places.

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray called for police action in cases where rockets or aerial firecrackers entered homes and caused fires. He sought an explanation from the police and administration over such incidents.

Filmmaker Vivek Agnihotri also raised concerns after a rocket struck a sofa on his balcony and set it on fire. He said his dogs alerted the family in time and the sofa's fire-resistant fabric helped prevent a potentially serious accident.

Fire Department Issues Safety Advisory

The Mumbai Fire Department has separately urged residents to follow safety precautions while bursting firecrackers. It advised people to use open spaces and maintain a safe distance from buildings, huts, shops, parking lots, petrol pumps, electric poles and wires.

Residents have also been asked to keep buckets of water or fire extinguishers nearby, supervise children and avoid holding firecrackers while lighting them. The department warned against relighting unexploded crackers and advised people to keep combustible materials away from terraces, balconies and windows.

The BMC said residents can report fire emergencies by calling 101 or its helpline 1916. The ban applies specifically to rockets and other aerial firecrackers, while the use of other varieties remains subject to existing laws, official directions and court orders.