Around 150 persons treated for cracker-related burns in Vellore, nearby districts

Around 150 persons received treatment for cracker-related burns at various healthcare centres, government hospitals in Vellore, Ranipet, Tirupattur, and Tiruvannamalai districts.

Health officials said that the Government Medical College and Hospital in Vellore and Tiruvannamalai treated 22 and 35 persons respectively for cracker-related burns. “Most of the victims were treated as out-patients. They were below the age of 15. A team of health officials was deployed for the purpose,” said Edvina Vasantha, dean, Government Medical College Hospital in Tiruvannamalai. 

In Tirupattur district, on an average, 10-12 cases of burns were reported at the Government Taluk Hospital at Tirupattur, Vaniyambadi, Ambur, and Natrampalli towns each, during the festival. The government health centres in Jawadhu Hills also reported at least 15 burn cases over three days (November 7-9). “No major burns were reported within Vellore town during the festival. Adequate medical teams were in place to attend to emergencies,” P. Pratap Kumar, City Health Officer (CHO), Vellore Corporation, told The Hindu.

In Ranipet district, more than 40 cases of burns were reported in government hospitals at Arakkonam, Walajah, Arcot, Ranipet, and Sholinghur towns during the festival. Health officials said that private hospitals and clinics also reported cases of cracker-related burns. Most of the persons are treated as out-patients in these districts.

A large volume of cracker waste was generated in these districts. Around 550 tonnes of cracker wastes were generated in Vellore and Tiruvannamalai Corporation on November 8-9. More than 500 sanitary workers were roped in for the purpose.

Most of the wastes include paper, cardboard, half-burnt, and unused crackers that are mostly dumped on roads and streets. These were sent to micro compost centres for recycling.

Apart from Corporations, major municipalities, including Cheyyar, Arakkonam, Sholinghur, Arcot, Ranipet, Ambur, Vaniyambadi, Gudiyatham, and Vandavasi generated cracker wastes.