Mumbai: The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Monday decided to ban firecrackers in its limits till November 30. The administration has said that no firecrackers can be lit in private or public places. It has also banned commercial establishments from hosting any fireworks shows.

The circular sent out by BMC is issued after the Maharashtra government discussed a firecracker ban in the cabinet. Health minister Rajesh Tope had stated that they are not issuing a state-wide ban but will be asking the public to exercise limit. BMC commissioner IS Chahal also said the corporation was hoping to avoid a second wave of COVID-19 by celebrating Diwali by not bursting crackers

In a little relief for some, on the evening of November 14, people will be permitted to lit mild fireworks like fuljhadi and anar within the premises of housing societies in a limited manner but no fireworks will be permitted in public places.

According to the notice issued, violators will be booked under the Epidemics Act and Disaster Management Act. The circular also warns people that hand sanitisers and disinfectant liquids could be flammable so ample care should taken while using them around firecrackers.

Meanwhile, Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray in an address to state on Sunday requested people to celebrate Diwali without firecrackers. He said that he will not impose a ban on firecrackers but requested all to show self-discipline and celebrate firecrackers-free Diwali.

States such as Delhi, Rajasthan and West Bengal have also banned firecrackers this year.