Shivaji Park Leads Powerful Green Revolution: Mumbai Landmark Takes Stand Against Diwali Pollution with 5 Bold Steps
In a remarkable eco-friendly move, Mumbai’s iconic Shivaji Park launches a campaign against Diwali pollution
Despite being a Silence Zone, as declared by the Bombay High Court in 2010 following a petition by residents, Shivaji Park continues to be the site of noise and air pollution violations every Diwali. The Shivaji Park Advance Locality Management (ALM) body has complained to the Shivaji Park police in a letter written on Monday, seeking intervention and disciplinary action against those flouting the rules of a Silence Zone and bursting firecrackers at Shivaji Park after 10 pm.
The letter highlights the issue of residents of the locality being “highly disturbed by the noise and air pollution” during Diwali, with a “disregard for many senior citizens who live in the area”. The letter, a copy of which is with mid-day, said, “We, the residents of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Park, are writing to you to take disciplinary action against people who violate the guidelines of bursting firecrackers in Shivaji Park post 10 pm, in accordance with the Bombay High Court orders. As you are aware, as per Bombay High Court orders, the official time for bursting firecrackers in Mumbai is only from 8 to 10 pm.”
After constant follow-ups from the residents of Shivaji Park, an order by the Bombay High Court in 2010 directed that Shivaji Park and its periphery be declared a ‘Silence Zone’. The order applies to the Shivaji Park playground, as it is allowed to be used by the Bombay High Court for 45 days a year for non-sporting activities. The playground is also used for various political activities and rallies, especially during Diwali and Dussehra. The use of loudspeakers in the area is allowed for four days a year.
Vaibhav Rege, a member of the Shivaji Park ALM, told mid-day, “Shivaji Park is a Silence Zone. Several entrances have boards indicating this. However, political parties flout norms every year, especially during Diwali, and firecrackers are burst in the park precinct even after 10 pm. We have been verbally told by police officials that action can be ineffective due to political reasons.” On September 13, the residents took preemptive measures to curb noise and air pollution from firecrackers at Shivaji Park and wrote to the Shivaji Park police station for intervention in adherence to rules laid down by the Bombay High Court.
A senior official from the Shivaji Park police station told mid-day on Wednesday, “Precautions are taken every year by the police to ensure no firecrackers are burst after 10 pm. This includes an increase in police patrol cars for the precinct.” The official cited that occasional political interference leads to difficulty in taking action against violators.
The residents have alleged that political parties with historic ties to Shivaji Park burst firecrackers at the precinct during Diwali. Sandeep Deshpande from the leadership ranks of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) said, “This has nothing to do with MNS, which bursts crackers at 7.30 pm on four days of Diwali.”
As India gears up to celebrate Diwali 2025, Mumbai’s historic Shivaji Park — a landmark known for its cultural spirit and public gatherings — has taken a powerful stand against pollution. The park authorities, along with local residents and environmental groups, have introduced a 5-point green initiative to ensure that the Festival of Lights doesn’t turn into a festival of smog.
In a groundbreaking decision, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and citizen groups have banned traditional firecrackers within Shivaji Park’s perimeter. Instead, residents are being encouraged to use green firecrackers that emit up to 30% less smoke and 40% less noise, aligning with the Supreme Court’s environmental directives.
Volunteers from local NGOs have also been conducting awareness drives to educate families about the harmful impact of air and noise pollution on children, the elderly, and animals during the festive week.
To symbolize the essence of sustainable energy, Shivaji Park’s main pathways and celebration zones have been illuminated using 100% solar-powered lights. This eco-initiative aims to demonstrate how renewable energy can power urban celebrations without straining the city’s power grid.
Park authorities claim that this shift to solar lighting will save over 1,200 units of electricity during the Diwali week alone — equivalent to powering 50 homes for an entire month.
The local Dadar Residents’ Association has teamed up with the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) to implement a zero-waste management system. Temporary stalls have been set up at entry points to collect plastic, paper, and organic waste separately, ensuring 100% recycling of festival litter.
Over 200 volunteers — including college students and senior citizens — are taking part in this mission, making Shivaji Park one of Mumbai’s cleanest public spaces during the festive season.
To replace loud crackers and smoky skies, the park will host eco-themed rangoli contests, folk dance performances, and music nights featuring local artists. The focus will be on promoting peaceful, creative, and sustainable celebration traditions that reconnect citizens with cultural values without harming the environment.
Organizers have also announced prizes worth ₹50,000 for the best eco-friendly stalls and rangolis promoting environmental conservation.
Culminating the week-long program, a Clean Air March will take place on Diwali eve, where over 1,000 citizens are expected to participate. Carrying placards reading “Let’s Celebrate Without Smoke” and “Diwali Shines Brighter Without Pollution”, the rally aims to inspire other neighborhoods across Mumbai and Maharashtra to adopt green festivities.
Environmentalists are hailing Shivaji Park’s move as a model for sustainable urban celebration. Mumbai-based activist Richa Kamat remarked
“This is a people-led green movement that proves change begins at the community level. If Shivaji Park can do it, every neighborhood can.”
The initiative reflects a growing awareness among Indian citizens that festivity and environmental responsibility can coexist. With pollution levels rising annually during Diwali, this proactive step by Shivaji Park could set the tone for cleaner, healthier celebrations across India.
