India, Nov. 8 -- The Bombay High Court's order banning bursting firecrackers in public places prompted the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Saturday to rope in 237 corporators to spread awareness about the harmful effects of bursting firecrackers in slums and densely populated neighbourhoods amidst concerns over rising air and noise pollution during Diwali. On Saturday, the city's overall air quality index stood at 108, indicating moderate category.

Sumaira Abdulali, of Awaaz Foundation, also wrote to chief minister Devendra Fadnavis stating that the government's primary responsibility lies in protecting the health of citizens, and to personally ensure that no crackers are burst which do not conform with all conditions set out...