Despite a ban imposed by the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) on firecrackers that cross the prescribed decibel (dB) level, a visit by this correspondent to four locations in the city revealed that sellers have violated the ban. The locations were Dadar and Lower Parel in Central Mumbai, and Khar and Andheri in the western suburbs.

Dadar: With an entire lane dedicated to shops selling firecrackers, Dadar market has one of the widest possible range of fireworks on sale. And most of the shops had at least two to three banned varieties of firecrackers on display. “Why would I sell bombs to customers had I been informed about the ban. Authorities must inform us in advance so that we don’t sell the banned stuff,” said shopkeeper Nanasaheb Warkhade.