In view of the continuously rising incidents of fire caused by fireworks in Mumbai, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation has taken a major and decisive step. The civic administration has completely banned the bursting of rockets and aerial fireworks within Mumbai city limits until 11:59 PM on November 25, 2026. BMC Commissioner Prajakta Lavangare-Varma has issued this restrictive order in her capacity as the Chairperson in-charge of the Urban Disaster Management Authority. The order has come into immediate effect starting from November 9 and will be strictly enforced across the city.
The administration has clarified that this ban will be applicable to both public and private spaces within the administrative jurisdiction of the BMC. This rule encompasses the rooftops of residential buildings, balconies, courtyards, parking areas, slum clusters, and all other premises. This means citizens won't be allowed to burst rockets or similar aerial fireworks even on the rooftops and balconies of their private houses. The administrative move aims to prioritize public safety and prevent any potential large-scale disasters during the festive season.
The BMC took this significant decision following a sudden and alarming surge in fire incidents triggered by fireworks. According to official reports, the Mumbai Fire Brigade received a staggering 142 fire-related distress calls in a single day on November 8. Out of these, as many as 137 incidents were directly attributed to firecrackers. Major fire incidents were reported from various parts of the city, including Dongri and Vidyavihar, prompting the local administration to take immediate and strict preventive measures.
Explaining the rationale behind the order, disaster management officials stated that burning remnants and sparks from rockets and aerial fireworks can easily land on building rooftops, balconies, windows, and flammable materials stored nearby, thereby creating a severe fire hazard. Considering Mumbai's densely populated landscape, high-rise residential towers, and narrow congested settlements, this risk becomes even more critical and catastrophic. Immediate intervention was deemed necessary to protect life and property across the metropolitan region.
To give legal backing to these restrictions, the BMC has issued the order under sections 41(A), 26(2), 30, and 34(M) of the Disaster Management Act 2005. The responsibility of effectively implementing and enforcing this ban has been assigned to the Zonal Deputy Commissioners of Police, the respective departmental Assistant Commissioners of the BMC, and the Mumbai Fire Brigade. Strict punitive action will be initiated against violators under the provisions of the law.
However, it's important to note that this new restriction is exclusively limited to rockets and similar aerial fireworks. Other categories of standard firecrackers aren't covered under this specific prohibition. The usage and sale of other firecrackers will continue to be governed by the existing laws, orders of competent authorities, and directives issued by honorable courts from time to time. Citizens have been urged to cooperate with the local administration and strictly adhere to the safety guidelines.