Datta Tarde along with his two friends, all residents of Thane, bought firecrackers worth Rs 800 at a roadside stall in Lower Parel.
The two-hour time restriction on bursting firecrackers hasn't dampened the festive mood in the city, with most enthusiasts content with the decision of allowing crackers between 8 pm and 10 pm. Retailers and wholesalers of firecrackers in the city are yet to sell a major chunk of their stock but remain hopeful having seen a growth in sales in the past two days after a dull week.
Datta Tarde along with his two friends, all residents of Thane, bought firecrackers worth Rs 800 at a roadside stall in Lower Parel. "We know about the two-hour restrictions but it hasn't affected us. The decision is in public interest, so we aren't complaining," said Tarde.
"I and my friends will burst crackers for only about an hour. Laxmi bar and sutli bomb, are our favourite crackers," said Deep Gandhi, a Byculla resident.
A roadside firecracker seller near Currey Road station said the sale was normal but harassment from police and corporation officials had increased. "We are not able to give any discounts to customers this year since half of our stock is seized by officials. One unlicensed stall in this area was removed because its owner didn't cooperate. Thankfully the sale has been good so far, I just hope to clear the stock I had bought before the court's decision."
"We were hit hard in the previous week. However, we made good business in the last two days. However, a lot of stock remains unsold," said Ramesh Mehta, owner of Koliwada Kapole Stores, a wholesaler based in Sion East.
While firecrackers are allowed only for two hours in the night, isolated firecrackers could be heard throughout the day. The police have been tasked with the implementation of the court order.
"We have sent out instructions to all the police stations. The local police have been asked to take action on the violators in their respective jurisdiction. Depending on the kind of violation, action will be taken under Mumbai Police Act and Indian Penal Code and pollution control rules," said Deputy Commissioner of Police and Mumbai Police's Spokesperson Manjunath Singe.
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