Diwali 2024: Mumbai Police bans sale & flying of sky lanterns from TODAY until next month

In a move prioritising public safety ahead of Diwali, Mumbai Police have announced a ban on the sale, flying and storage of sky lanterns. This prohibitory order, issued on Tuesday, is effective from October 23 to November 21.

The decision comes in light of concerns regarding the potential misuse of lanterns by anti-social elements, with the police citing risks to human safety and public property. The ban has been enacted under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita.

As stated by DCP (Operations) Akbar Pathan, the order is a routine preventive measure, regularly reviewed every 30 days. The police emphasised that any contravention of this order will result in penalties under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023.

This action follows a previous incident in January 2015, when sky lanterns allegedly sparked a fire in a 36-storey building in Malad East, leading to calls for a ban.

In a further step to enhance public safety during the festive season, Mumbai Police have issued an order banning fireworks near oil and fuel facilities in the city.

Effective immediately, the order stipulates that no person shall let off or throw any firecrackers or fireworks, or send up any rockets within a distance of 500 metres of the following areas:

• Outside perimeter area of Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd. and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd. refineries

• Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd. plant area

• Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd. plant area

• Behind 15 and 50 acres area up to Special Oil Refinery

Mumbai Police urge residents to adhere to these regulations to ensure a safe and joyous Diwali for all.