Bhopal’s district administration has banned the sale and storage of carbide guns – cheap, homemade “firecracker” toys – in the city and nearby areas, effective immediately.
District Collector Kaushlendra Vikram Singh told officials and police that the ban is a public‑safety measure and that anyone who fails to obey will face legal penalties. The order comes after the devices caused more than 125 serious injuries during Diwali, including severe eye damage and facial wounds.
Why the ban matters
Carbide guns are simple plastic and tin pipes filled with calcium carbide and a small amount of gasoline. When the ignition device is activated, the mixture produces a burst of acetylene gas that explodes, sending sharp plastic shards into the face and eyes. Doctors estimate that up to 200 people may have been hurt, with more than 70 % of patients suffering corneal damage that can lead to permanent vision loss.
Hospitals in Bhopal, Gwalior, Indore, Sagar, Seoni Malwa, Hoshangabad, Sehore, and Narsinghpur have reported a surge of cases. At Hamidia Hospital, one of Bhopal’s largest government facilities, 40 patients were treated on Diwali night alone. The city’s Chief Medical and Health Officer, Manish Sharma, said more than 60 children aged 8‑14 were admitted, and over 150 injury reports were filed the following day.
What experts say
Dr. Kavita Kumar, head of Ophthalmology at Hamidia, warned that a carbide gun is “a deadly explosive rather than a toy.” She described the blast as scatter‑shaped, hurling plastic shards like pellets, which cause deep corneal ulcers and burns.
The devices, which can cost as little as Rs 200, are often made from plastic pipes, gas lighters, and calcium carbide. Their violent explosion makes them particularly dangerous for children and the elderly who use them as party favors.
With the ban now in place, officials urge residents to report any remaining carbide guns and to keep all festival fireworks out of households where children and vulnerable people are present. The measure aims to protect Bhopal’s citizens from preventable injuries and to restore public order during the festive season.
Source: ianslive
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