The ban covers both public and private spaces, including residential buildings, terraces, balconies, courtyards
MUMBAI: In the wake of a spate of firecracker-related fires across Mumbai over the past two days, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Monday imposed a blanket ban on the use of rockets and other sky-flying firecrackers across the city till November 25. The prohibitory order, issued by municipal commissioner Prajakta Lavangare-Verma in her capacity as chairperson (in-charge) of the Urban Disaster Management Authority, Brihanmumbai, came into immediate effect on November 9 and will remain in force until 11.59 pm on November 25. The ban covers both public and private spaces, including residential buildings, terraces, balconies, courtyards, parking lots, slum areas and all other premises within the BMC limits. The order cites the risk posed by burning remnants of rockets and other aerial firecrackers falling on building rooftops, balconies, windows and other inflammable materials, potentially triggering fires. Given Mumbai’s dense population, high-rise buildings, congested slum settlements, narrow roads and closely packed commercial and residential structures, such incidents could pose a serious threat to life and property, it states. The BMC has invoked provisions of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, including Sections 41(A), 26(2), 30 and 34(M), to enforce the preventive ban. Zonal deputy commissioners of police, the BMC’s divisional assistant commissioners and the fire brigade have been directed to ensure its implementation. The civic body’s public relations officer has also been asked to give the order wide publicity. Clarifying the scope of the restrictions, the order states that the use of firecrackers other than rockets and similar sky-flying crackers will continue to be governed by existing laws, orders issued by competent authorities and directions of the courts. The move comes after the Mumbai Fire Brigade received 142 fire calls on November 8 alone, of which 137 were attributed to firecrackers. Several major fires, including those at Dongri and Vidyavihar, were reported amid the surge in emergencies, putting considerable pressure on firefighting resources.
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