In a move aimed at ensuring that bursting of firecrackers does not cause a public nuisance, the city police have imposed a total ban on bursting crackers on various city roads as per the provisions made under section 33 (U) of the Mumbai Police Act. Additional Commissioner of Police M S Maheshgauri today imposed orders to the effect.

While briefing the mediapersons about the arrangements made by the city police to ensure that no untoward incident takes place during the grand festival, deputy commissioner (Crime) Surindra Kumar and assistant commissioner P N Ingale said those defying the ban will be arrested and prosecuted.

Maheshgauri has instructed the in-charges of all the police stations in the city to intensify patrolling to ensure that the ban is implemented.

Starting tonight, the police will check all the vehicles entering the city to keep anti-social elements away. Various hotels, lodges and rest houses are also being checked.

The city police have opened a special cell ``Helpline'' to provide immediate assistance in case of an untoward incident during the festival. This cell will operate from the crime branch headquarters. Residents can make telephone calls on telephone numbers 626296, 622880 and 621685 to seek help from the police.

Meanwhile, the police have appealed to the people to refrain from touching or handling unclaimed objects lying at various public places. The police have also appealed to the people to take adequate precautions to prevent thefts and burglaries.

DCP Kumar and ACP Ingale have requested the people to inform the police about persons found loitering in suspicious manner near their houses.