Covid proves blessing in Bengaluru this Deepavali

Bengaluru: The first day of Deepavali passed off without casualties normally associated with bursting of crackers. However, the second day saw 10 cracker-related injuries at hospitals like Minto Eye Hospital, which is part of Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute. These hospitals usually see a number of such cases every year during this time.

"There are fewer people bursting crackers this year because of the Covid fear and government order to burst only green crackers. The first day was quite happy because no injuries were reported," said a senior doctor at Minto Hospital.

"We normally attend to more than 30 cases during Deepavali every year. Since last year bursting of crackers has come down due to the Covid pandemic and rains. Hope people continue to celebrate safe festival hereafter," the doctor said.

According to the reports, one case of eye injury was reported at Minto Hospital, four at Narayana Nethralaya, three at Nethradhama Super Speciality Eye Hospital and other major hospitals on Sunday. Out of the 10 cases across Bengaluru four were of serious in nature.

The Karnataka government initially banned the sale and use of firecrackers, only to withdraw the rule later. It said only green crackers would be allowed. But there were several cases of violation of the order resulting in casualties. Green crackers can be identified through the distinct green logo of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)-National Environmental and Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) and Petroleum and Explosive Safety Organisation (PESO), as well as a QR code.