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

On Thursday, the Collector of Thane District issued a prohibition on the sale and use of aerial rockets and other fireworks that produce a similar burst of light and sound throughout the district until the 8th of January. The directive, which came into effect immediately, is aimed at preventing the kind of accidental fire that claimed the lives of two people and left dozens of residents of a 17‑storey building in Thane City stranded for hours after a major blaze on Friday morning.The fire started in the early hours of Friday at the Jagrani Apartments, a high‑rise that houses more than 500 families. Emergency services arrived within minutes, but the flames spread rapidly through the building’s fire escape routes, forcing a mass evacuation..

Fifty residents were rescued from the upper floors by a combination of firefighters and residents themselves, while the fire was finally brought under control after a prolonged effort that stretched until the early evening. The incident prompted a review of the fire safety protocols in high‑rise buildings across the district and highlighted the potential risks associated with the use of fireworks in densely populated areas.The Collector’s order bans the sale, possession and use of aerial rockets – commonly known as “dhanush” or “bhangar” – and any fireworks that emit a similar effect. It applies to all residents, businesses and vendors across Thane, as well as to visitors from neighbouring districts who may come to Thane during the upcoming festive season..

The ban is scheduled to lift on the 8th of January, giving the district a brief window before the new year celebrations. The Collector added that authorities will enforce the ban through a combination of police checks at markets, roadside stalls and local shops, as well as through coordination with the fire services.In the wake of the incident, the Deputy Commissioner of Fire Services, Arun Joshi, said that the fire had been caused by an electrical short in a communal staircase, which was exacerbated by the presence of flammable materials. He added that the use of fireworks in the vicinity had increased the risk of secondary fires, especially given the close proximity of residential units..

“Even if fireworks were not directly responsible for the blaze, their presence creates an environment where a small spark can turn into a major disaster,” Joshi told reporters. He urged residents to stay away from any sources of ignition during the holiday season, and called for stricter enforcement of fire safety norms in high‑rise buildings.The ban comes at a time when the city is preparing for the festive season, a period that traditionally sees an uptick in firework usage. Local merchants who sell fireworks have expressed concern about the impact of the new order on their businesses..

“We understand the safety concerns, but we also cater to a large customer base that relies on us for celebrations,” said one vendor who wished to remain anonymous. He added that he would comply with the Collector’s directive, but hoped that authorities would also focus on educating consumers about safe firework practices.Residents in the affected neighbourhoods have mixed reactions. While some are grateful for the proactive step, others worry about the restrictions on their cultural traditions..

“We’ve been celebrating New Year with fireworks for years, and it’s part of our community spirit,” said Meera Patel, a resident of the Jagrani Apartments. She added that she appreciated the authorities’ focus on safety but wanted assurances that the ban would be lifted before the major celebrations. On the other hand, many residents who were trapped during the fire have expressed support for stricter controls, citing the fear of another tragedy..

“We were stuck on the 12th floor for hours,” said a resident who had been rescued. “We should do everything we can to prevent a repeat.”The order is in line with similar measures taken by other districts across Maharashtra and India in response to increasing incidents of fireworks‑related fires. The government has repeatedly warned that the use of aerial rockets can cause fires that quickly spread beyond the intended area, especially in high‑rise structures where fire escapes and stairwells are easily compromised..

In recent years, authorities have introduced regulations limiting the types of fireworks that can be sold, as well as setting up fire safety inspections in commercial areas.The Collector’s prohibition is expected to be monitored through a system of checkpoints set up at major markets and commercial hubs in Thane. Police and fire officials are expected to conduct random inspections of stalls and shops that sell fireworks, and any violations will attract fines or seizure of the illegal goods. The enforcement will also be coordinated with local municipal authorities, who will monitor residential areas for any illegal fireworks activities.Looking forward, the authorities have announced plans to conduct a public awareness campaign about fire safety and the risks posed by fireworks in densely populated areas..

The campaign will be run through radio, television, and social media, with the aim of encouraging residents to celebrate the holiday season in safer ways. The district also intends to review and tighten building fire safety codes, ensuring that high‑rise buildings have adequate fire suppression systems and well‑marked evacuation routes.The ban will lift on January 8, giving the district time to assess the effectiveness of the restrictions and to implement any necessary changes before the New Year celebrations begin. As the city prepares for a period of heightened festivities, authorities hope that the temporary prohibition will reduce the risk of similar tragedies and reinforce the importance of fire safety in protecting the lives and homes of Thane’s residents..