As Diwali has become this year's festival of firecrackers, it has lost its meaning as a festival of illumination. The festival of Diwali brings light and prosperity to the world. There is, however, a loss of vision and a lack of happiness this year.
A total of 69 people in Maharashtra have reported experiencing vision loss as a result of firecracker accidents during Diwali, according to reports created by groups of eye surgeons and hospitals. Even though these injured people are receiving top-notch care, many of them are still partially blind.
Based on the most recent comprehensive study conducted by the Maharashtra Ophthalmological Society (MOS), where 3000 eye surgeons and hospitals have gathered to analyse the effects and injuries caused by firecrackers - 69 victims are in a serious condition out of the total number of injured people.
This proactive team has declared that they have investigated 512 cases in all, the majority of which involved patients who were under the age of 18. The majority of those who suffered serious injuries were those who were setting off firecrackers, while the remaining 136 people were simply watching the fireworks while standing still.
Due to their partial blindness, they have a lower chance of recovering their vision. They won't be able to read as effectively as they used to, but they can still see everything that is going on up close.
The acuity of those 69 patients has been reduced to 6/60 or less as a result of a firecracker trauma, according to Dr Vardhaman Kankariya, chairperson of MOS. These people are only able to see objects within a 6-metre radius and no further. Their sight will be foggy.
According to a statement made by MOS President Dr Santosh Bhide, researchers are currently looking into firework injuries and are working with the government to find a solution, to establish strict guidelines for the use of fireworks. In this circumstance, he added, protective glasses are best.
Moreover, according to a Supreme Court ruling from May 2019, only green firecrackers are permitted to be set off for two hours each, from 6 am to 7 am and 6 pm to 7 pm, in Maharashtra state. All chemical and hazardous firecrackers are prohibited.
Also, as per Delhi - NCR reports all firecrackers including green crackers are banned. Delhi has taken this step to improve the pollution situation. There is a complete ban on buying, selling, manufacturing or storing firecrackers.
The use of firecrackers is completely prohibited in many states, and those who violate the law face a 6-month prison sentence and a fine of Rs. 200.
Accidents involving fireworks still occur despite numerous bans. A lot of people buy, sell, and set off dangerous firecrackers. As citizens of India, isn't it our duty to place safety before fun? Food for thought there.
© Vygr Media Private Limited 2022. All Rights Reserved.
