Mumbai: Ward-level BMC teams to monitor adherence to HC order on firecrackers

Amid the plummeting air quality in the city, the Bombay High Court restricted the time for bursting firecrackers in Mumbai on Monday. File pic

While the Mumbai police implement the restricted timing for bursting firecrackers, special ward-level teams of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) will also be deployed to ensure adherence to the order by the Bombay High Court (HC).

"While the police will ensure that bursting of firecrackers is restricted between 7 pm and 10 pm in Mumbai as ordered by the HC, a special team in each ward will also be vigilant during Diwali," said municipal commissioner I S Chahal.

Chahal was speaking to reporters at the BMC headquarters on Thursday. He said that in a meeting held by Chief Minister (CM) Ekanth Shinde on Thursday, police were given the responsibility to ensure that the HC-mandated period is followed. "Mumbai police will issue a standard operating procedure (SOP) and take action.

The ward-level team will also take action as per the SOP. Teams have been formed to ensure adherence to dust mitigation guidelines. These teams will also take up vigilance against firecrackers in their respective ward. Anyone found bursting firecrackers outside of the 7-10 pm window will face action as per the SOP, with an FIR against them," Chahal said.

With respect to penal action, Chahal said, "The police will decide under which Indian Penal Code sections the FIR will be filed. Civic teams will follow their SOP. The SOP must be followed by all citizens."

The Bombay HC recently took suo motu note of air pollution in Mumbai and restricted the bursting of firecrackers between 7 pm and 10 pm. In a meeting held with relevant officials from across the state on Thursday, CM Shinde ordered that precautions must be taken to not violate the court's orders.