Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on November 8 announced that his government would not impose any ban on firecrackers in the state in view of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, he urged people to observe self-disciple and celebrate firecrackers-free Diwali.
"Whatever we have achieved (in controlling Covid-19) will go away in four days due to pollution through firecrackers. No firecrackers in public places. I am not imposing a ban on crackers or an Emergency," Hindustan Times quoted Thackeray as saying.
The state chief minister said 15 days after Diwali are crucial as COVID-19 cases may surge due to a rise in air pollution levels.
Diwali 2020 Mumbai update: BMC bans bursting of firecrackers at public places.