The BMC’s G North Ward will put up banners at Shivaji Park ahead of Diwali, warning visitors that the area is a designated silence zone where bursting firecrackers is prohibited. The move follows a Bombay HC directive, a civic official told mid-day.
“This is big. This is the first time something like this is happening. Earlier, there was just one old board near the Park’s gate 7, and even that made no mention of firecrackers,” said Vaibhav Rege, secretary of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Park ALM.
A Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) spokesperson said the Bombay High Court had restricted the bursting of regular firecrackers in public places, including roads, footpaths, and open spaces.
“No sort of firecracker or noise pollution is allowed in silence zones. Police will have to enforce this directive,” the spokesperson said, emphasising the additional restrictions applicable to silence zones. The G North Ward official confirmed that Shivaji Park is a designated silence zone.
Residents seek stricter enforcement
Residents have repeatedly complained about the air and noise pollution caused by large-scale firecracker bursting at Shivaji Park during Diwali.
As a precaution, they submitted a petition to the Shivaji Park police station on Tuesday, seeking strict action against violations of Bombay High Court guidelines.
The petition called for authorities to “take stringent action against those who breach the guidelines for bursting Firecrackers mandated by the Honourable Bombay High Court orders in Shivaji Park”.
Residents alleged that police enforcement had been inadequate due to staff shortages and political pressure. Asked about the police plan for the festival, an official from Shivaji Park police station said, “We are working on it.”
MNS calls off Deepotsav fireworks
A day after the residents submitted their petition, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) announced that it would not organise its Deepotsav celebrations at Shivaji Park this year, citing drought-like conditions across Maharashtra.
Party chief Raj Thackeray said the annual event usually draws visitors from Mumbai, Thane and other parts of the state for illuminations and fireworks. Explaining the decision, he said, “However, we have decided not to celebrate Deepotsav this year. The sole reason is the terrible drought that has struck, exists, and looms over Maharashtra. In light of this severe drought, my heart simply could not accept celebrating a festival of this kind.”
Residents, who have complained of worsening air and noise pollution around Diwali for years, hope the cancellation of the event and the HC directive will bring some relief this year. However, they fear visitors may continue to gather and burst crackers independently.
Resident voices
Renuka Pinto, resident
“My children and I have respiratory conditions. Year-round construction pollution troubles us, and during Diwali, air quality dips so much that we have to leave the city every year. The announcement that it has been called off this year offers some relief.”
Vaibhav Rege, 49, secretary, Shivaji Park ALM
“Over the last few years, the MNS has organised a special Diwali event with firecrackers and illuminations. Firecrackers continue for up to seven days, starting from Dhanteras, leading to extremely poor AQI. The cancellation is temporary relief. Let’s hope they discontinue it next year as well.”
Nishant Gala, 48, resident
“People come from outside to attend and burst firecrackers here. The scale has increased with the event. I am relieved that the MNS has cancelled the event this year, but this may not be permanent.”
Madhukar Prabhu, 75, Shivaji Park resident
“We senior citizens find it difficult even to open our windows. Children and pets suffer from the heavy noise, even inside homes. Many residents have also witnessed hospitalisations.”
