Obama effect: Ban on firecrackers at Gateway

If you have been looking forward to moving your Diwali celebrations to the Gateway of India, think again. It may also be a good idea to avoid driving into Colaba as there will be several traffic and parking restrictions. HT reports.

If you have been looking forward to moving your Diwali celebrations to the Gateway of India, think again. It may also be a good idea to avoid driving into Colaba as there will be several traffic and parking restrictions.

HT Image

US president Barack Obama will be in the city on November 6 and 7, but firecrackers around Taj Mahal Palace are banned from November 5 onwards.

"The entire city, except the areas surrounding the Taj hotel, can celebrate Diwali without restrictions. But people near the hotel will not be allowed to burst firecrackers," Rajnish Seth, joint commissioner of police, law and order, said on Tuesday. "The move has been initiated to ensure maximum security to the US president."