Mumbai Police Take Stringent Action Against Diwali Offenders: Over 1,000 Cases Registered in 5-Day Crackdown Across MMR and Thane Region

Mumbai/Thane, 16th November 2023: In response to widespread violations of the Bombay High Court-imposed time limit on bursting firecrackers to combat air pollution, Mumbai Police have initiated strict actions, registering over 1,000 cases in the last five days in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region and Thane area.

The Bombay High Court had set a time limit for firecrackers, allowing them only between 8 to 10 p.m. to mitigate the impact on air quality. However, during the Diwali celebrations, numerous instances of non-compliance were observed, with fireworks occurring both before 8 p.m. and after 10 p.m.

Over the past five days, Mumbai has witnessed more than 1,000 cases registered for violating the time restrictions, with 784 cases filed on November 10, 11, and 12 alone. In total, 806 individuals faced action, with 734 of them subjected to penalties. An additional 350 cases were reported in the subsequent two days, including punitive measures against firecracker sellers.

Cities such as Thane, Kalyan-Dombivali, Bhiwandi, Ulhasnagar, Ambernath, and Badlapur also reported instances of firecracker violations. Thane police alone registered over 300 cases, and the number is expected to rise as the filing process continues into the night.

Police teams are actively patrolling Thane city after 10 p.m., registering cases against those flouting the time limits. Municipal administrations are receiving complaints against late-night fireworks, leading to police action and cases being filed against those selling illegal firecrackers.

In Ulhasnagar, 49 individuals faced cases for violating rules, with the Ulhasnagar Municipal Corporation and Police jointly taking action. Additional Commissioner of Ulhasnagar Municipal Corporation Jamir Lengrekar noted that the municipality had issued notices to 190 constructions in an ongoing campaign to curb pollution.

Despite improved air quality in Mumbai before Diwali due to rain showers, the situation deteriorated during the festival days. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation halted construction in various areas to counter the decline but observed lingering smoke and pollutants. Colaba, Mazgaon, Worli, and Vile Parle reported poor air quality, underscoring the impact of firecrackers on environmental conditions.