188 injured by country-made firecracker guns:Over 150 cases reported in Bhopal, 19 in Gwalior, raising fears of permanent cornea damage

Madhya Pradesh has witnessed 188 reported cases of eye injuries caused by indigenous firecracker guns (carbide guns) so far this year. Bhopal alone accounts for over 150 cases, while Gwalior reported 19 cases on a single day. Other cities affected include Indore (3 cases), Vidisha (12 cases), and three other locations in the state. Most of the victims are children aged between 7 and 14 years. Bhopal hospitals treat dozens of patients At the Department of Ophthalmology, Gandhi Medical College (GMC), 36 patients are currently undergoing treatment. Surgeries have been performed on 15 patients, and amniotic membranes have been placed on the eyes of two children. Amniotic membranes—the same tissue naturally shed during childbirth—help heal “living” wounds and maintain eye transparency. The membranes were brought from Indore, and doctors will know in 2–3 weeks how much vision could be preserved. Gwalior records 19 injuries in just three days In Gwalior, multiple cases emerged over three days, involving young victims injured while using carbide guns. On Wednesday, two young men from Gohad, Satendra and Suraj, suffered severe cornea damage while handling the gun in DD Nagar, Gwalior. Satendra, whose condition was critical, was referred to AIIMS Bhopal for further treatment. Eight patients have already undergone surgery. However, doctors say it is too early to determine the success of the operations and how much vision can be restored. Most cases were treated at the District Hospital Murar, JAH, and Ratan Jyoti Eye Hospital. Rapid surge in Bhopal Cases of eye damage due to indigenous firecracker guns are rising rapidly in Bhopal. Between October 19–22, 150 cases were reported from various hospitals. Gandhi Medical College recorded the highest number of cases at 36. Vidisha Medical College reported 12 cases, Sagar Medical College 3, and Indore 3. The remaining cases were treated at government hospitals and clinics across Bhopal. Cheap carbide guns turn deadly These inexpensive guns, costing between Rs 100–200 in the market, have become a dangerous trend. Dr. S.S. Kubre explained that the calcium carbide in the guns reacts with water to produce acetylene gas. This gas ignites explosively, burning eyes, skin, and faces within seconds. Not firecrackers, but chemical devices Dr. Hemlata Yadav, Head of Ophthalmology at BMHRC, clarified that these guns are not ordinary firecrackers. They explode due to chemical reactions. When the gun fails to fire, children often peer into its barrel, causing a sudden build-up of gas pressure that leads to an explosion. These chemical devices can instantly damage eyesight.