The authorities must particularly regulate the manufacture and sale of firecrackers since most of the accidents take place at these stages. In fact, this Diwali has already claimed its first victims in Vijayawada. Eleven people, including five children, lost their lives in a blast of gunpowder meant for making crackers.

All that the authorities need to do is to strictly implement the provisions of the Explosives Act, 1884, and the Explosive Rules, 1983, which authorise only licensees to trade in fireworks and crackers, and require them to displaythe licence prominently. The manufacturers and traders, in turn, are permitted to hire only those employees who are of good character, sound mind and 18 years or above for manufacture, sale or transportation of firecrackers.

Fireworks are not to be sold on footpaths, streets or highways. The outlets should not adjoin shops using, selling or storing inflammable products. Even two shops selling fireworks have got to be at least 15 metres apart.To be located only on the ground floor, firecracker shops may be constructed of asbestos, tin or concrete. Wood and cloth are to be avoided in any case. The shops should measure at least nine square metres and have adequate security measures in place.

It's necessary that the electric wiring be up to the mark. It is prohibited to have loose or temporary wiring. Lighting by gas or oil lamps isn't on. Similarly, lights, paints, or inflammable articles aren't to be kept on the premises. On the other hand, water, sand and fire extinguishers must be readilyavailable.

Fireworks for display are not permitted to be ignited within 15 metres of any tent, trailer or canvas shelter of a motor vehicle, and 200 metres of any place where explosives, inflammable or hazardous substances are stored. Also, they cannot be burst within 200 metres of hospitals, temples and schools, unless permitted by the local authorities. It is also mandatory to collect the waste and duds and destroy them by burning.

Besides, the safety concerns demand that firecrackers be burst only in open spaces and not in narrow lanes and congested localities. Users are at less risk if they don't wear acrylics that melt and cling to the body on burning. Cotton is safer.

Even these small preventive measures are bound to decrease the incidence of accidents, thereby also easing the pressure on curative apparatus. That prevention is better than cure may sound old-fashioned, but it's not obsolete. Particularly when human lives are at stake.