How Thane made their Diwali safer

Two years ago, Thane residents ensured that they have a safe Diwali every year.

In 2010, the Bombay high court had directed the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) to allot open grounds for storage and sale of firecrackers and not allow the sale of crackers on streets.

Since then, the TMC identifies 30 open grounds where temporary licence holders are allowed to sell firecrackers before Diwali.

But, the scene in Mumbai is different - rather dangerous. During the festive season, shopkeepers set up temporary stalls to sell firecrackers in congested areas. Moreover, there is hardly any monitoring by the BMC.

“I have sent a communication to the civic chief to adopt and follow the policy implemented by the TMC. We, too, should identify and provide open grounds in all 24 wards for storage and sale of crackers,” said Rahul Shewale, standing committee chairman.

The HC ruling had come after the Kopari Bachav Samiti had moved a PIL against the TMC in 2009. Advocate Sandesh Patil, who had appeared for the samiti, said: “The lanes in the Kopari area are too narrow for a fire engine or an ambulance to get through during an emergency. Thus, for the welfare of both the citizens and the shopkeepers, we had sought for the sale of firecrackers on open grounds and the TMC has been implementing the ruling in its jurisdiction.”