Mumbai: A day after Diwali fires kept firefighters busy across Thane district, Collector Shrikrishna Panchal on Monday banned rockets and similar aerial firecrackers in the entire district for the next two months.

Panchal, who is also chairperson of the District Disaster Management Authority, issued the order under the Disaster Management Act, 2005. The district disaster management cell had recorded 11 fire incidents at separate places, causing heavy damage to public and private property. In Thane city alone, the fire brigade's disaster cell received 44 fire calls until Sunday night, and all of them were caused by firecrackers.

The order says rockets were being fired from crowded localities, refuge areas of buildings, parking spaces and terraces, and that some people were holding them in their hands. Their burning remains were falling on roofs, balconies and windows, and on material that catches fire easily. Given the rising number of fire accidents, the Collector said immediate emergency measures had become necessary.

The ban therefore applies in public and private places alike, including terraces, balconies, courtyards and all residential areas. It covers the municipal corporations of Thane, Navi Mumbai, Kalyan Dombivli, Mira Bhayandar, Ulhasnagar and Bhiwandi, along with the rest of the district. It remains in force till January 8, 2027, about six weeks longer than the ban announced for Mumbai, which ends on November 25.t

The order has been sent to the police commissioners, the commissioners of the municipal corporations, the Superintendent of Police for Thane rural, the Zilla Parishad chief executive officer, sub divisional officers, tahsildars and the chief officers of councils and nagar panchayats. The police, local bodies and the fire brigade have been asked to enforce it and publicise it widely, and housing societies have been asked to inform their residents.

Those who do not comply can face action under Sections 51 and 60 of the Disaster Management Act. Section 51 provides for imprisonment of up to one year, a fine or both, and up to two years if the refusal results in loss of lives or imminent danger. The civic order issued in Mumbai on the same day makes no provision for penalties.

The ban is limited to rockets and similar flying crackers. Other firecrackers continue to be governed by existing law and the directions of courts and competent authorities.

BI Bureau