Banned sky lanterns available in Mumbai market

The Maharashtra Fire Services, in a letter dated October 5, 2017, demanded a ban on the sale, purchase and flying of sky lanterns across the state.

A ban imposed by the Mumbai police notwithstanding, Chinese or sky lanterns were being sold across the city.

The Maharashtra Fire Services, in a letter dated October 5, 2017, demanded a ban on the sale, purchase and flying of sky lanterns across the state (File pic for representation)

P Rahangdale, chief fire officer, said the ban was enforced after an under-construction building in Malad caught fire because of a sky lantern in 2015. The ban will remain in force till November 14.

HT found Chinese lanterns at some stalls around Crawford market. “The demand for Chinese products has reduced,” said a vendor near Crawford market. “People demand items that are on display. When there is no sky lantern on display, how will people know we are selling those?”

“Foreign countries, including America and Thailand, have imposed such bans. We need it to ensure safe celebrations,” said Rahangdale.

The Maharashtra Fire Services, in a letter dated October 5, 2017, demanded a ban on the sale, purchase and flying of sky lanterns across the state. “It is only when there is a ban that people will not fly those lanterns,” Rahangdale said.

Mumbai police spokesperson Deepak Devraj, however, said the ban was on flying the lanterns, not sales. “If people are found flying sky lanterns, they will be charged under section 188 (disobedience to order),” Devraj said.