Major hospitals such as Hameedia Hospital, BMCHRC, Kamla Nehru, Seva Sadan, and JP Hospital treated dozens of patients with corneal injuries and severe eye burns.
The Madhya Pradesh government has imposed a complete ban on the sale, purchase, and storage of calcium carbide guns after more than 300 children reportedly suffered serious eye injuries while 10 lost eyesight during Diwali celebrations.
The ban comes in the wake of a surge in hospital cases linked to these makeshift toy guns, which create small explosions using calcium carbide and water to mimic the sound of firecrackers.
Officials confirmed that First Information Reports (FIRs) will be filed against anyone found violating the order. The devices, made of PVC pipes and commonly sold as children’s toys during the festive season, have been deemed extremely unsafe due to their explosive chemical reactions.
Police launch statewide inspections
Authorities in Bhopal, Gwalior, and Vidisha have already begun enforcing the prohibition. All Sub-Divisional Magistrates (SDMs) and police teams have been directed to conduct thorough inspections of firecracker shops and roadside stalls to identify and seize any remaining stock of carbide guns.
Madhya Pradesh Dy CM Rajendra Shukla said, “We are keeping monitoring the condition of the children suffering the eye injuries. Those admitted to the hospital are being monitored to ensure they don’t suffer any 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 also appealed to people to refrain from using such illegally manufactured barrels and bursting firecrackers. 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 the situation of harm to children. We will look into this… When there were already guidelines in place, illegally selling such equipment, which could cause harm, would be considered a crime… This will be thoroughly investigated. And I will speak to the collectors of a couple of districts, specifically, to find out how it entered the market. Ensure action is taken against those who violated the rules.”
Doctors across multiple districts have raised concerns over the growing use of such explosive toys during festivals. Medical professionals from Bhopal and Gwalior said many of the injured children were between six and fifteen years old, and several required emergency surgery to save their eyesight.
At Jaya Arogya Hospital in Gwalior, 19 injured patients were admitted. Eight underwent emergency eye surgeries to remove debris, while two lost their corneas entirely. One patient was referred to AIIMS Bhopal for advanced treatment. Doctors have emphasised that these so-called toys are extremely dangerous, as the chemical reaction between calcium carbide and water produces explosive gas and sparks capable of causing burns and permanent eye damage.
Major hospitals such as Hameedia Hospital, BMCHRC, Kamla Nehru, Seva Sadan, and JP Hospital treated dozens of patients with corneal injuries and severe eye burns.
