Madhya Pradesh Bans Carbide Guns Following Deadly Diwali Blast Incident

Madhya Pradesh Bans Carbide Guns After Diwali Eye Injuries

The Madhya Pradesh government has enforced a statewide ban on the sale, purchase, and storage of calcium carbide guns following a alarming wave of eye injuries during Diwali celebrations. Over 300 children suffered severe eye injuries, with 10 permanently losing their eyesight due to these hazardous makeshift toys. These devices, often marketed as children’s toys, use calcium carbide and water to produce explosive reactions mimicking firecracker sounds, posing significant safety risks.

The decision comes in response to a surge in hospital admissions across the state, with medical professionals reporting devastating injuries caused by the explosive chemical reactions of carbide guns. Authorities have vowed to take strict action against violators, with First Information Reports (FIRs) to be filed against those found manufacturing, selling, or using these dangerous devices.

Statewide Crackdown on Carbide Guns

To enforce the ban, police and administrative officials in cities like Bhopal, Gwalior, and Vidisha have launched extensive inspections targeting firecracker shops and roadside stalls. Sub-Divisional Magistrates (SDMs) and police teams are actively seizing any remaining stocks of carbide guns, which are typically made from PVC pipes and sold as inexpensive toys during festive seasons. The government’s swift action aims to prevent further injuries and ensure public safety during future celebrations.

Deputy Chief Minister Rajendra Shukla emphasized the government’s commitment to protecting children, stating, “We are closely monitoring the condition of the injured children. Those admitted to hospitals are under observation to prevent further eye damage.” He added that the Chief Minister had previously issued advisories against using such dangerous devices, and investigations are underway to identify those responsible for their illegal manufacture and distribution.

Medical Crisis and Hospital Reports

Hospitals across Madhya Pradesh reported a significant influx of patients with eye injuries during Diwali. At Jaya Arogya Hospital in Gwalior, 19 children were admitted, with eight requiring emergency surgeries to remove debris from their eyes. Tragically, two children lost their corneas entirely, and one was transferred to AIIMS Bhopal for specialized treatment. Doctors have warned that the chemical reaction in carbide guns produces explosive gas and sparks, which can cause severe burns and permanent eye damage.

Other major hospitals, including Hameedia Hospital, BMCHRC, Kamla Nehru, Seva Sadan, and JP Hospital, treated numerous cases of corneal injuries and severe eye burns. Medical professionals noted that the majority of the victims were children aged six to fifteen, highlighting the dangers of marketing such explosive devices as toys. The injuries have sparked widespread concern among healthcare providers, who are advocating for stricter regulations on festive-related products.

Government’s Response and Investigations

The Madhya Pradesh government has pledged to hold accountable those responsible for the production and sale of carbide guns. Deputy CM Shukla described the illegal sale of these devices as a “crime” and promised a thorough investigation into how they entered the market despite existing guidelines. “We will speak to district collectors to ensure action is taken against violators,” he stated, underscoring the government’s determination to prevent such incidents in the future.

The government’s proactive measures include not only the ban but also public awareness campaigns urging parents to avoid purchasing unsafe toys for their children. Authorities are also working to strengthen regulations around the sale of firecrackers and other explosive devices, particularly during major festivals like Diwali, to ensure such tragedies are not repeated.

District-Wise Impact of Injuries

The injuries caused by carbide guns were reported across multiple districts in Madhya Pradesh, with varying degrees of severity. The distribution of cases includes:

• Bhopal: 150 cases
• Vidisha: 50 cases
• Sehore: 28 cases
• Gwalior: 19 cases
• Shivpuri: 10 cases
• Ujjain: 15 cases
• Raisen: 3 cases
• Datiya: 2 cases
• Ratlam: 1 case
• Indore: 11 cases

These figures highlight the widespread use of carbide guns and the urgent need for regulatory action. The government’s ban aims to curb the availability of these devices and prevent further harm, particularly to young children who are most vulnerable to such injuries.

Health Risks of Carbide Guns

Medical experts have detailed the severe health risks associated with calcium carbide guns. The chemical reaction between calcium carbide and water produces acetylene gas, which is highly flammable and can generate sparks or small explosions. When mishandled, these devices can release debris or cause burns, leading to serious injuries, particularly to the eyes. In many cases, the damage is irreversible, resulting in partial or complete vision loss.

Doctors have emphasized that children are particularly at risk due to their lack of awareness about the dangers of such devices. The injuries reported during Diwali included corneal abrasions, severe burns, and foreign objects embedded in the eyes, often requiring complex surgical interventions. The long-term impact on the affected children, including psychological trauma and vision impairment, has raised alarms among healthcare professionals and policymakers alike.

Public Awareness and Prevention

In addition to the ban, the Madhya Pradesh government is focusing on raising public awareness about the dangers of carbide guns and other unsafe festive products. Parents are being urged to supervise their children during celebrations and avoid purchasing toys that pose health risks. Community leaders and schools are also being encouraged to educate families about safe Diwali practices, emphasizing the importance of using regulated firecrackers and avoiding makeshift explosive devices.

The government’s efforts extend beyond enforcement to include collaboration with local authorities and healthcare providers to monitor the situation and provide support to affected families. Hospitals have been directed to prioritize treatment for Diwali-related injuries, with a focus on ensuring that no further vision loss occurs among the admitted patients.

Future Steps and Regulatory Measures

The Madhya Pradesh government is exploring long-term measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. These include stricter regulations on the manufacture and sale of firecrackers and explosive toys, as well as increased oversight of markets during festive seasons. The government is also considering penalties for manufacturers and retailers who violate safety guidelines, aiming to deter the production of dangerous products.

Deputy CM Shukla has called for a comprehensive review of existing safety protocols to identify gaps that allowed carbide guns to enter the market. This review will involve consultations with district collectors, law enforcement agencies, and industry stakeholders to ensure that all festive-related products meet stringent safety standards.

Community Impact and Recovery Efforts

The widespread injuries caused by carbide guns have left a lasting impact on communities across Madhya Pradesh. Families of the affected children are grappling with the emotional and financial burden of medical treatment and rehabilitation. The government has promised to provide support to these families, including access to specialized care and counseling services for children who have suffered vision loss or trauma.

Local organizations and NGOs are also stepping in to assist, offering resources and awareness programs to promote safe festival practices. The collective response from the government, healthcare providers, and community groups reflects a commitment to addressing the crisis and preventing future tragedies.

Conclusion: A Call for Safer Celebrations

The ban on calcium carbide guns in Madhya Pradesh marks a significant step toward ensuring safer Diwali celebrations. The government’s swift response, coupled with ongoing investigations and public awareness campaigns, aims to protect children from the dangers of hazardous toys. As the state recovers from this tragic wave of injuries, the focus remains on enforcing strict regulations, supporting affected families, and promoting a culture of safety during festive seasons.

With the collective efforts of authorities, healthcare providers, and communities, Madhya Pradesh is taking decisive action to prevent such incidents in the future. Parents and guardians are urged to remain vigilant, choosing safe alternatives for their children and advocating for responsible festive practices.