Authorities act after 300 suffer eye injuries:Administration bans on carbide pipe guns in Bhopal Gwalior; FIR for sale or purchase

After around 300 people in Madhya Pradesh suffered eye injuries from carbide guns, authorities have finally acted. In Bhopal, the sale, purchase, and storage of carbide pipe guns has been banned, with FIRs to be filed against anyone violating the order. ADM Prakash Nayak issued the directive on Thursday night. The SDM has been tasked with the investigation and will inspect firecracker retail and wholesale shops. However, these orders came after Diwali, during which carbide guns were openly sold, putting many lives at risk. Cases of eye irritation caused by local carbide So far, 300 cases of eye irritation caused by local carbide firecracker guns have been reported across the state. In Bhopal alone, over 200 people have been affected, with incidents also reported in Gwalior, Indore, and Vidisha. Most victims are children aged 7 to 14. Patients undergoing treatment at GMC Bhopal At Gandhi Medical College (GMC) Bhopal, 36 patients are undergoing treatment in the Eye Department. Fifteen surgeries have been performed so far, and doctors have placed amniotic membranes in the eyes of two children — the same membrane naturally produced during childbirth. Sales also happen on Dev Uthani Ekadashi Reportedly, carbide pipe guns are also sold on Dev Uthani Ekadashi after Diwali. Therefore, the Collector has issued revised orders asking all SDMs to take action. Collector meets patients at Hamidia Hospital Meanwhile, on Thursday night, Collector Kaushlendra Vikram Singh reached Hamidia Hospital and spoke with patients and their families. He also assured them of all possible help. The Collector said that before Diwali, all SDMs were asked to take action regarding carbide pipe guns. As a result, inspections were carried out in firecracker markets. 55 guns have been seized from various firecracker markets including Bairasia, Govindpura. FIR will be filed against those from whom carbide guns were seized Points highlighted in the order Restrictive firecrackers, fireworks, and illegal modified firecrackers (carbide guns) made by filling explosive materials in iron steel or PVC pipes that produce excessive noise are being manufactured and sold. This is adversely affecting the comfort, peace and environment of common citizens. Therefore, using the powers granted under the Indian Civil Protection Code 2023, these restrictive orders are being issued in public interest and to maintain law and order. Questions and Answers with Collector regarding action Question – Why were the orders issued after such a delay?
Collector- The Chief Minister had given orders regarding carbide pipe guns. All SDMs were asked to take action on this. 55 guns were also seized. Still, these were sold secretly.
Question – What action will you take now?
Collector – We have given instructions to file FIRs against those from whom guns were seized. Also, prohibitory orders have been issued.
Question – How was it used in such large quantities this Diwali?
Collector – Carbide pipe guns are mostly used in weddings. This time they were used as firecrackers during Diwali. To prevent such incidents in future, a ban has been imposed.
Question – How many patients were treated in Bhopal?
Collector – 186 patients from Bhopal and nearby areas were admitted. 32 are still under treatment. 15 require surgical treatment. Ban on sale and use in Gwalior too