Mumbai: In light of rising tensions between India and Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack, the Mumbai Police imposed a strict ban on firecrackers and fireworks across Brihanmumbai from May 11 to June 9, 2025.
The order, issued by Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations) Akbar Pathan, prohibits individuals from lighting firecrackers, sending rockets, or using any fireworks, including 'chidi' (a type of rocket), within city limits. This directive is enforced under the Maharashtra Police Act of 1951. Pathan also instructed that the order be widely publicised by displaying notices at key public places and broadcasting announcements through loudspeakers and megaphones to ensure maximum awareness.
Maharashtra Coastline On High Alert
Meanwhile, the Maharashtra state fisheries department has warned the coastal fishing community to avoid fishing near oil rigs and offshore defence zones along the state’s 877.97-kilometre-long coastline. These precautionary steps stem from credible intelligence inputs suggesting heightened security threats.
In response to the alert, the Indian Navy convened a critical meeting with key stakeholders, including fishermen from Mumbai and the Konkan region, the state fisheries department, Coastal Police, Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), and the Coast Guard. Discussions revolved around avoiding sensitive maritime zones, with authorities highlighting the implementation of "shoot-to-kill" orders for any vessels violating restricted areas.
Vigil Increased After 26/11 Mumbai Terror Attacks
The heightened vigilance recalls the security lapses of the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, where terrorists infiltrated via the sea using a hijacked Indian fishing vessel. In its aftermath, Mumbai’s coastal security was overhauled, including surveys of fishing boats and mandatory GPS verification for vessel tracking.
Further complicating the current security situation, intelligence reports reveal that Pakistan’s Maritime Security Agency recently seized several fishing boats from Gujarat and later released the fishermen in a single trawler. Officials fear one or more of these vessels might be used to approach Mumbai’s coast and launch rocket-based attacks.
In view of these developments, the Indian Navy and coastal security forces have urged the fishing community to remain vigilant and report any unusual maritime activity or unidentified vessels. Describing the fishermen as the “eyes and ears” of India’s western coastline, the appeal shows the importance of community participation in maintaining coastal security during this tense period.
