Thane Collector bans aerial rockets, similar firecrackers across district till January 8

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The Thane district administration on Monday (November 9, 2026) imposed a complete ban on the use of aerial rockets and similar firecrackers across the district until January 8, 2027, citing increasing fire incidents and concerns over public safety.

The order came a day after a major fire at a 17-storey residential building in Thane city, where 50 residents were rescued.

The prohibitory order, issued by Thane District Collector and District Disaster Management Authority Chairman Dr. Shrikrishna Panchal, came into effect at 12.01 p.m. on November 9 and will remain in force until 11.59 p.m. on January 8, 2027.

Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, who visited the site of the fire at the Rahaaja Carlain building in Rahaaja Garden, said he had directed the district administration to immediately prohibit aerial fireworks amid growing concerns over fire incidents.

“The district administration has been directed to issue immediate orders banning the use of aerial fireworks, as an increasing number of fires are being caused by such fireworks entering homes or buildings during Diwali,” Mr. Shinde said in a post on X.

According to Mr. Shinde, the fire broke out around 8.30 p.m. on Sunday (November 8, 2026) on the eighth floor of the 17-storey building and spread to the 14th floor, trapping several residents on the upper floors.

The Thane Fire Brigade and the Thane Municipal Corporation’s disaster response team (TDRF) rushed to the spot and launched rescue operations.

“As soon as I learned of the fire, I too rushed to the scene. With the support of the Thane Fire Brigade and Thane Municipal Corporation TDRF personnel, I made every effort to speed up the rescue operations,” Mr. Shinde said.

“I spoke with the residents trapped on the building’s upper floors and reassured them. I also told them to go to the refuge area and the building’s terrace and wait there,” he added.

Mr. Shinde said all 50 residents trapped in the building were safely evacuated by late Sunday night, with rescue personnel using ladders and stretchers after bringing the fire under control.

Meanwhile, the Collector’s order cited several incidents of fires caused by aerial firecrackers in residential buildings, particularly in densely populated areas. The administration also observed that some individuals were launching rockets while holding them in their hands, creating additional risks to public safety.

The ban applies to the entire revenue jurisdiction of Thane district, covering both public and private premises, including residential buildings, terraces, balconies, building compounds, streets and other residential areas.

The Collector said the restrictions were necessary to prevent further fire-related accidents and safeguard lives and property. The order also cited concerns that the unsafe use of such firecrackers could create serious public safety and law-and-order situations.

The restrictions have been imposed under Sections 26(2), 30 and 34(B) of the Disaster Management Act, 2005.

Citing the urgency of the situation, the Collector issued the order ex parte, without providing the parties concerned an opportunity for a prior hearing, stating that immediate preventive measures were necessary to protect lives and property.

Police authorities, local self-government bodies and fire departments have been directed to ensure immediate and strict enforcement of the restrictions. Housing societies have also been instructed to inform their members about the ban.

The administration warned that those refusing to comply with the order would face action under Sections 51 and 60 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005.

However, the order clarifies that the use of other categories of firecrackers will continue to be governed by existing laws, directions issued by competent authorities and applicable court orders.

Maharashtra / Deepavali / disaster management / disaster and accident