Collector Raghavendra Singh issued an order on Saturday directing all Sub-Divisional Magistrates posted in the district to immediately seize any shop or warehouse in their jurisdiction where carbide guns or materials used in their manufacture are found to be stored or sold, and to ensure legal action is taken.

 

This order by Collector Singh came in light of incidents that have come to light during Diwali in various districts of the state where several individuals suffered serious eye and facial injuries due to the use of carbide guns made from steel or PVC pipes filled with calcium carbide.

 

In the order, the Collector also directed all SDMs to ensure that no grocery, fireworks shop, or other establishment in their jurisdiction sells so-called carbide guns or materials used in their manufacture (calcium carbide, etc.). He stated that if any store or warehouse is found storing this material, the stored items should be immediately seized and destroyed under the provisions of the Indian Civil Defense Code and the Explosives Act, and legal action should be taken.

 

It may be mentioned that following the incidents highlighted from different parts of the State regarding serious eye and facial damage caused by the use of carbide guns for fireworks during Diwali, Collector Raghvendra Singh, executive magistrates inspected firecracker shops across the district on Friday. Executive Magistrates inspected firecracker shops in Ranjhi, Bai Ka Bagicha, Ghampaur, Panagar, Kundam, Patan, Sihora, Katangi, Majhauli, and Bargi, but found no carbide guns. Most firecracker markets in the district's rural areas were closed during the inspection.

 

The Collector has also urged citizens of the district to refrain from using carbide guns and cooperate in ensuring strict enforcement of the ban. According to Chief Medical Officer Dr. Sanjay Mishra, two individuals have been reported in the district with eye damage due to fireworks using carbide guns. These individuals include Rajesh Kumar Patel, 47, a resident of Civil Lines, and Sunil Patel, 46, a resident of Suhagi. Both individuals received eye treatment at Janjyoti Eye Hospital.