Reports of around 300 eye injuries in Bhopal caused by the use of carbide guns this Diwali have brought the focus back to a 2023 Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) report, which had warned that calcium-carbide–related ocular injuries can lead to significant visual morbidity in young adults and recommended restrictions on the unlicensed sale of such guns and their raw materials.

‘Overlooking’ the warning, Madhya Pradesh authorities have allowed unregulated sales to continue, resulting in the complete loss of vision of at least 30 persons so far.

In India, calcium carbide is commonly used in locally made PVC “scare” guns that are intended to drive wild animals away from farms and protect livestock and crops.

Social media is full of DIY (do it yourself) videos showing how to build t

See Full Page