Thane: The Thane district administration on Monday banned sky rockets and similar flying firecrackers across the district until midnight on Jan. 8, 2027, after 11 fire incidents on Diwali night, in what officials described as the first order of its kind in Maharashtra.
District Collector Shrikrishna Panchal issued the prohibitory order, which applies to all public and private spaces, including residential buildings, terraces, balconies, courtyards and parking lots. Violations will invite action under section 51 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, which provides for up to a year in jail, or up to two years where the refusal results in loss of life or imminent danger.
Resident Deputy Collector Sandeep Mane said the administration had taken "serious cognisance of the recent surge in fire hazards caused by burning residues of aerial fireworks falling onto residential buildings and flammable materials". Officials said rockets had been launched from densely populated neighbourhoods, terraces, balconies and parking areas, some held in the hand.
Other firecrackers remain governed by existing laws, municipal rules and court guidelines. Civic bodies, police and the fire brigade have been told to enforce the ban and publicise it, and housing societies have been asked to inform their members.
The chief fire officer had flagged that rockets fired from refuge areas, parking lots and terraces were causing fires in densely built pockets, the collector's order said.
(With inputs from PTI and media reports)