Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh) [India], October 24 (HBTV): Authorities in Bhopal district have issued a prohibitory order under Section 163 of the Indian Civil Defence Code, 2023, banning the use of carbide guns after several children suffered eye injuries while playing with them.
According to the official order, no individual, organisation, or trader is allowed to manufacture, store, sell, or purchase prohibited firecrackers, fireworks, or illegal modified firecrackers such as carbide guns, which produce excessive noise by filling explosive materials in iron, steel, or PVC pipes.
An official statement from the office of the Bhopal Collector and District Magistrate read: ‘No person, organisation, or trader shall manufacture, store, sell, or purchase prohibited firecrackers, fireworks, or illegal modified firecrackers (carbide guns) that produce excessive noise by filling explosive material in iron, steel, or PVC pipes.’
The order further stated: ‘The sale, distribution, or display of any type of illegal prohibited firecracker, fireworks, or illegal modified firecrackers (carbide guns) that produce excessive noise by filling explosive material in iron, steel, or PVC pipes will be completely prohibited. SDMs, Executive Magistrates, Police Officers, and concerned departments will monitor strict compliance with this order.’
Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Madhya Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Rajendra Shukla said the government was monitoring the condition of the children injured in the incidents and ensuring they receive proper treatment.
‘We are monitoring the condition of the children suffering eye injuries. Those admitted to the hospital are being closely observed to ensure they do not suffer permanent eye damage. I will receive the final report. Regarding the use of such pipe barrels for bursting firecrackers, an advisory had already been issued. The Chief Minister has also appealed to people to refrain from using such illegally manufactured barrels and bursting firecrackers,’ said Shukla.
He added that an investigation would be launched against those who manufactured and supplied such firecrackers and equipment to the market, and strict action would be taken against them.
‘Those who manufactured and supplied such firecrackers and equipment to the market, causing harm to children, will be investigated and strict action will be taken. This is irresponsible behaviour that has led to children being harmed. When there were already guidelines in place, illegally selling such equipment that could cause injury will be treated as a crime. This will be thoroughly investigated, and I will speak to the collectors of a couple of districts to determine how it entered the market and ensure action against those who violated the rules,’ the Deputy Chief Minister stated.
(ANI)