06 October,2026 10:57 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Directions are aimed at controlling air and noise pollution and preventing hazards caused by street fireworks. Representational Pic/File
Mumbai Police issued a preventive order banning the bursting of firecrackers on public roads and streets and the use of high-intensity laser lights and searchlight beams across the city.
According to the order, the restrictions will come into force at midnight on October 6, 2026, and will remain in place until December 4, 2026.
The order follows directions issued by the Bombay High Court on September 22, 2026, during a suo motu public interest litigation concerning environmental issues.
Directions are aimed at controlling air and noise pollution and preventing hazards caused by street fireworks and high-intensity lighting.
The court directed local authorities to enforce a ban on fireworks being burst on streets and to take steps to prevent the use of high-intensity light displays that could create public hazards and contribute to pollution.
Under the order, people are prohibited from bursting firecrackers, rockets and other fireworks on public roads, streets and thoroughfares within the Brihanmumbai Police Commissionerate.
The restriction is specifically aimed at preventing fireworks from being used in public spaces and on roads, where they can cause inconvenience, noise pollution and safety risks.
The order also prohibits the operation of laser lights, high-intensity lumen lights and searchlight beams in public spaces.
Police have warned that such lighting can create hazards, particularly when directed towards roads or areas where it could affect motorists, pedestrians or other members of the public.
Mumbai Police have warned that anyone violating the order will face action under various laws. Depending on the nature of the violation, offenders may be prosecuted under the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000, the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, and the Explosives Act, 1884.
Meanwhile, in an another preventive order, last month, Mumbai Police imposed an extended 60-day ban on kite flying in and around the INS Shikra Naval Air Station and nearby areas, citing concerns over the safety of aircraft and helicopter operations.
The preventive order covers the airspace around the naval air station as well as parts of Azad Nagar and Sundar Nagar under the Mumbai Police Commissionerate.
Authorities said kites flying in the area could pose a risk to aircraft, particularly during take-off, landing and other routine operations under the Western Naval Command.
The preventive order came into effect at midnight on September 16, 2026, and remain in force for 60 days until midnight on November 14, 2026.
