Madhya Pradesh bans carbide guns after 300 people injured during Diwali celebrations: What are they?

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The Madhya Pradesh government has imposed a complete ban on the manufacture, sale and use of calcium carbide guns after nearly 300 people across the state sustained severe eye injuries during Diwali celebrations.

Officials confirmed that at least 15 patients underwent surgeries in Bhopal, while another 15 remain under medical observation.

Hospitals in several districts reported a surge in cases of vision-threatening injuries, most of them among children aged 7 to 14 years. Over 50 cases were recorded in Vidisha and 56 in Gwalior, health officials told the media.

Despite Chief Minister Mohan Yadav’s directive ahead of Diwali to curb the sale of these makeshift explosive devices, carbide guns continued to be sold widely in local markets.

Following the spate of injuries, Deputy Chief Minister Rajendra Shukla ordered all district administrations to seize the remaining stock and shut down illegal manufacturing units.

“These devices are extremely dangerous and have no place in festive celebrations. Strict action will be taken against anyone found selling or using them,” a senior government official said.

Carbide guns are crude, locally made explosive devices that mimic the sound of a gunshot or bomb. They are made by sealing calcium carbide, which is a grey industrial chemical used in welding or fruit ripening, inside a pipe, bottle and/or tin box. Water is then added to the mix.

When water comes into contact with calcium carbide, it produces acetylene gas. This is a highly flammable substance that is commonly used in industrial welding.

Experts have said that this highly flammable gas builds up inside a sealed container. It then expands rapidly, and even a tiny spark or flame near the opening can set off a powerful explosion.

Carbide guns lack any safety mechanism, unlike many other fireworks. Their blasts are unpredictable and can cause the container to burst violently, scattering sharp metal or glass shards with dangerous force.

Doctors say most injuries occur when children lean close to ignite the device, reports said. The state government’s ban is expected to be followed by a public awareness drive warning families about the dangers of carbide guns and encouraging the use of safe, eco-friendly firecrackers in future celebrations.