Will Mulundkars Celebrate A Sombre Diwali?

Diwali and crackers are synonymous and, what is most important is that, even the Supreme Court has allowed citizens to burst crackers on Diwali day (though for a limited two hours at night). Thus, while children are desperately waiting to burst crackers, the bad news for Mulundkars is that BMC T-Ward has still not given licence to any fireworks dealer. Thus, Mulundkars are in a dilemma and wondering: Will they observe Diwali minus the excitement of crackers or shopkeepers will sell crackers without licence???

It may be noted that Kishore Gandhi, Assistant Commissioner of T-Ward himself is not happy at the turn of events. Informing Home Times he said, “BMC T-Ward had written a letter to the BMC Chief to allot a huge ground in Mulund where fireworks vendors could sit together and sell fireworks. T-Ward had also written in the letter to make an emergency arrangement of fire brigade and ambulance so that both, the fireworks vendors and people, could sell and buy crackers and Mulundkars could enjoy Diwali in its true tradition of bursting fire-crackers. However, it is tragic that till now BMC has not given any reply to our letter. Hence T-Ward is helpless as it has to obey orders.”

Disappointed by the developments, Mulundkars look angry and annoyed. An aggravated Mulundkar told Home Times, “Still, BMC T-Ward has not issued licences to sell crackers. BMC officials claim crackers cannot be sold on roads or in the market. The Supreme Court has banned cracking loud noise crackers and allowed bursting of crackers for just two hours!! Supreme Court has advocated celebrating Green Diwali to curb pollution. I wonder why all these restrictions and moral lessons are meant for our Hindu festivals only???”

Both the BMC and police are abiding by the Supreme Court orders and keeping a tight vigil on miscreants who defy court orders. Amidst such strict governance, both Mumbaikars and Mulundkars are in a tight spot over the celebration of Diwali!!!

T-Ward, in its order, has warned fireworks shopkeepers and vendors that anybody found selling fireworks on streets will have to pay a huge price as T-Ward officials will seize all his fireworks.

Citizens’ mixed reaction

Vijay Shinde says “Diwali is the most grand and historic festival of India that is celebrated worldwide. Hence, the festival is celebrated with much spectacle and enthusiasm. Bursting crackers is an essential ritual of the festival. Hence, celebrating Diwali without crackers is incomplete. However, with Supreme Court guidelines it is, indeed, hurting and disappointing to celebrate Diwali minus crackers.”

Shailesh Pawar says “We welcome the guidelines set by the Supreme Court regarding celebrating Diwali festival. Due to the bursting of crackers there is huge air and sound pollution. The ill-effects of the fireworks not only harms humans, but even pets and stray animals are adversely hit. Hence, like good samaritans it is our duty to abide by the Supreme Court order.”

To quote a fireworks vendor, “There is very little time left for us to sell fire-crackers. We have invested in fireworks. We had requested BMC to allot us open space to sell our fireworks. However, BMC did not respond to our request. How are we at fault?

Though we are willing to sell fireworks as per the Court’s orders, we have been denied licences to sell. BMC is taking action against us, but what do we do about the fireworks we have already bought which should be sold? That’s why we have to sell fire-crackers clandestinely.

Kishore Gandhi (Assistant Commissioner of BMC T-Ward):
“Till now, nobody has been given the licence to sell fireworks as selling fireworks on roads is the violation of Supreme Court order. In Mulund, most of the firework vendors sell fireworks on road by erecting pandals which is very dangerous from the safety point of view. Hence, we have not given licence to anybody till Friday. However, let me warn, if anybody is found selling fireworks on roads without permission then all his fireworks will be seized by BMC.”

Mulund Police Appeal
“If anybody is found bursting crackers before 8 p.m. and after 10 p.m. then Mulund Police will take strict action against them. If anybody is found selling fireworks making a loud noise like Atom Bomb, etc., then he, too, would face strict action and a hefty penalty.