09 November,2020 01:29 PM IST | Mumbai | PTI
Representational Image
The Shiv Sena-led Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Monday announced a ban on use of firecrackers and fireworks in the city, ahead of Diwali, saying the step was being taken to check coronavirus spread.
The civic body has, however, permitted use of ''mild firecrackers'' on Laxmi Pujan (November 14), saying Mumbaikars can use ''anar'' (cracker known for a sparkling display and showers of coloured sparks upwards) and fulzadi (sparklers) at their private premises on that day.
"Use of soundless firecrackers like 'phooljhadi', 'anar' allowed between 8 pm till 10 pm on Diwali only," BMC said.
In a circular, the BMC also appealed citizens to celebrate Diwali with due precaution and by following COVID-19 protocol.
ALSO READ
Special | Maharashtra assembly elections: Who’s the real NCP in Mumbra-Kalwa?
Maharashtra assembly elections: Want unity, not CM post, says Uddhav Thackeray
Maharashtra assembly elections likely only after Diwali
Raut defends Uddhav's push for decision on CM's face from MVA allies
Long queues at voting centres as first ever hawkers polls in city begin
Read: How India eats through Diwali
The BMC decision follows the state government's appeal to citizens to avoid bursting firecrackers this Diwali as the resultant pollution could cause breathing problems among COVID-19 patients.
A civic official said the BMC studied similar orders issued by other state governments, including Rajasthan, adding that under the Epidemic Diseases Act, they can impose a ban on bursting of firecrackers at public and private premises during a pandemic.
The official said state environment minister Aaditya Thackeray had asked the BMC to explore the possibility of banning firecrackers during the pandemic to avoid air pollution.
A proposal for a ''cracker-free'' Diwali was put forth by state public health minister Rajesh Tope.
In a recent review meeting with senior COVID-19 task force members on the preparedness for a possible second wave, Mr Tope had said firecrackers could have an adverse effect on lungs.
Catch up on all the latest Crime, National, International and Hatke news here. Also download the new mid-day Android and iOS apps to get latest updates.
Mid-Day is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel (@middayinfomedialtd) and stay updated with the latest news
This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
