In a troubling incident during Ganpati processions in Kolhapur, Maharashtra two individuals suffered significant eye injuries due to intense laser beams. A young man watching a procession in Uchgaon, Kolhapur's Karveer tehsil, experienced internal eye bleeding after being struck by the powerful beams. He is currently receiving medical treatment at a private eye hospital in Shastrinagar, Kolhapur.
Similarly, Police Constable Yuvraj Patil, who was on duty during another Ganesh procession in Tembalaiwadi, Kolhapur, sustained eye injuries from laser lights. His right eye became red and swollen, severely impairing his vision. He is also undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Kolhapur.
The growing trend of using laser lights, often paired with drumbeats, during festive processions has raised concerns due to the potential risks they pose to eye health. Experts warn that exposure to high-powered laser beams, especially when the power exceeds 5 milliwatts, can lead to serious retinal damage, even with brief exposures as short as 10 seconds. Ophthalmologists have expressed alarm over the harmful effects of such laser beams, which can cause redness, blurred vision, and in severe cases, lead to permanent vision loss or blindness.
Laser burns, which are injuries caused by exposure to laser beams, vary in severity depending on several factors such as the type and power of the laser, its wavelength, and the duration of exposure. In the context of processions, these burns are particularly dangerous as the risk of retinal damage increases significantly with prolonged exposure to high-intensity laser lights.
Ophthalmologists are now advocating for stricter regulations on the use of laser lights during public events, especially during processions, as the dangers to eye health are becoming more apparent. They emphasize that preventing such injuries should be a priority, given the potential for long-term and irreversible vision damage.
The demand for a ban on laser lights during festive processions is growing, especially following these recent incidents. Many health professionals believe that preventing such injuries should be a priority, particularly during large public gatherings.
This is not the first time laser beams have caused concern. In Pune, a similar incident occurred last year when a young man partially lost his vision due to exposure to laser lights during a Ganpati immersion procession. As a result, Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar imposed a ban on the use of laser beams during the city's Ganesh immersion events to prevent further eye injuries.
In preparation for upcoming festivals such as Ganeshotsav and Navaratri, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has issued guidelines for festival organizers to follow. These include rules specifically aimed at ensuring the safety of the public, including regulations on the use of laser lights.
As laser lights continue to be popular during festive celebrations, their risks to public safety cannot be ignored. Authorities and health professionals are urging stricter measures and enforcement of bans to prevent further injuries and safeguard public health.
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/Ankur Deka/MSM)