Maharashtra Forest Minister Ganesh Naik has raised concerns over the enforcement of the 10 pm deadline for bursting firecrackers in Navi Mumbai, pointing out that celebrations continued in several areas until approximately 1 am despite police instructions.
The issue came to light shortly after the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) secured the top position in the national Swachh Survekshan cleanliness rankings. Naik questioned how the city could maintain its environmental standards when restrictions on firecracker use were allegedly not being followed.
According to Naik, he had contacted Senior Police Inspector Deshmukh of the Kopar Khairane police station and instructed him to arrange public announcements through police vehicles at 8 pm. Residents were to be informed that bursting firecrackers beyond 10 pm was prohibited, with legal action to be initiated against those violating the deadline.
However, the minister said the instructions did not prevent celebrations from continuing well beyond the permitted hours.
“Despite these instructions, firecrackers continued late into the night,” Naik said, questioning whether adequate measures had been taken by the police to discourage such violations.
He further highlighted the impact of prolonged firecracker activity on residents, particularly senior citizens, children and people suffering from health issues. The resulting noise and air pollution, he noted, caused considerable inconvenience to vulnerable sections of the population. Naik also appealed to citizens to celebrate responsibly while respecting the well-being of others.
NMMC Mayor Sujata Patil and Municipal Commissioner Dr Kailas Shinde also reportedly witnessed late-night firecracker celebrations after returning from Delhi, where they had attended the national cleanliness awards ceremony. The two civic representatives arrived in the city at approximately 2:30 am and noticed crackers being burst in certain localities.
The civic administration emphasised that Navi Mumbai’s recognition for cleanliness should go hand in hand with responsible environmental practices. Authorities stressed the importance of controlling pollution, protecting public health and ensuring that celebrations do not undermine the city’s cleanliness and environmental efforts.
Source: News Band
Pic Credit: Urban Acres
