New Delhi: Doctors at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Delhi, have raised serious concerns after treating 190 cases of eye injuries during the Diwali festivities, including 18–20 cases caused by carbide guns. The doctors have urged for a complete ban on the manufacture, sale, and purchase of such chemical-based firecrackers.
19% Rise in Eye Injuries Compared to Last Year
According to doctors from the Dr Rajendra Prasad Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences, AIIMS recorded a 19% increase in ocular injury cases this Diwali compared to 2024.
“This time, the number has increased to 190, with more patients continuing to report even after the festival,” said Dr Radhika Tandon, Chief of the RP Centre.
Last year, 160 patients had sought treatment for similar injuries.
Carbide Guns Behind Severe Chemical Burn Cases
Doctors noted a disturbing trend this year — severe chemical burn-like injuries caused by carbide guns, which are crude homemade explosive devices made using PVC pipes and calcium carbide. When water reacts with carbide, it produces acetylene gas, which explodes on contact, ejecting plastic shrapnel that can cause serious eye damage.
“These guns cause powerful blasts and release metal hydroxide fumes. We have seen patients where their corneas have become white and raw, with numerous particles studded there,” Dr Tandon explained.
Farmers have long used these devices to scare away animals, but this year, they were misused as fireworks by children, leading to devastating consequences.
Children Among Major Victims Nationwide
Doctors also highlighted that more than 100 people, mostly children aged 8–14 years, were hospitalised in Bhopal and Vidisha (Madhya Pradesh) for similar carbide gun injuries during Diwali.
“Many people are learning to make carbide guns by watching videos online. This trend must be checked immediately,” said Dr Namrata Sharma, Professor at the RP Centre.
She urged authorities to conduct awareness and sensitisation programmes at the school level to prevent such incidents.
Majority of Cases from Delhi-NCR and Neighbouring States
Of the 190 patients treated at AIIMS, 44% were from Delhi-NCR, while 56% came from Uttar Pradesh and Haryana.
- 17% of the patients suffered injuries in both eyes
- 44% sustained open-globe injuries, requiring immediate surgery
- Remaining cases involved chemical burns and blunt trauma from sparks and debris
“The free availability of banned or uncertified crackers in adjacent states contributed significantly to this rise,” Dr Sharma added.
Firecracker Rules Loosely Enforced Despite SC Nod for Green Crackers
Despite the Supreme Court allowing the use of eco-friendly green crackers under regulated conditions in Delhi and NCR, doctors said banned firecrackers were widely available and used, worsening the situation.
The RP Centre continues to receive late referrals from other hospitals for patients suffering delayed complications, some with irreversible vision loss.
Doctors Call for Nationwide Ban and Awareness Drive
AIIMS experts have called for:
- A complete ban on carbide-based and home-assembled explosive devices
- Stricter enforcement of interstate firecracker regulations
- Monitoring of online sales of hazardous materials
- Public education campaigns on safe celebrations
“The visual prognosis in severe cases remains guarded despite surgery. It is imperative to promote responsible celebrations and ensure a safe, environmentally conscious Diwali,” Dr Sharma said.
